Relations between India and Iran are rooted not merely in diplomatic engagement but in a shared civilisational memory that predates modern nation-states. From linguistic affinities to cultural exchanges, the India–Iran relationship represents one of Asia’s longest and most layered interactions. In a changing global order marked by multipolarity and strategic realignments, this ancient bond is acquiring renewed geopolitical and economic relevance.
A shared civilisational inheritance
The foundations of India–Iran relations lie in a common Indo-Iranian heritage. Long before political borders emerged, early Indo-Aryan groups shared linguistic structures, cosmological ideas, and ritual traditions. The close resemblance between the Avesta and the Rigveda reflects this shared worldview, underscoring deep cultural continuity rather than coincidence.
Over centuries, this civilisational closeness translated into sustained cultural exchange. Persian became deeply embedded in the Indian subcontinent—not only as an administrative language but as a medium of philosophy, poetry, and court culture. India did not merely absorb Persian; it reshaped it. This creative synthesis culminated in the emergence of Sabk-e Hendi, or the “Indian Style” of Persian literature, marked by philosophical depth and imaginative expression. Figures such as Mirza Abdul-Qadir Bedil Dehlavi symbolised this intellectual fusion, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate across Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia.
From cultural memory to strategic engagement
While civilisational nostalgia provides emotional depth, contemporary relations are increasingly shaped by pragmatic considerations. As the global system moves away from unipolar dominance, both and see value in diversified partnerships that preserve strategic autonomy.
Energy security remains a cornerstone of this engagement. India’s economic growth requires reliable access to hydrocarbons, and Iran’s vast oil and gas reserves make it a natural long-term partner. Even amid sanctions and geopolitical constraints, energy has remained a central reference point in bilateral calculations.
Connectivity as the strategic glue
Perhaps the most consequential dimension of present-day cooperation lies in connectivity. India’s involvement in the reflects its strategic intent to access Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing geopolitical bottlenecks. For Iran, Chabahar enhances its role as a regional transit hub linking South Asia with Eurasia.
Closely linked is the International North-South Transport Corridor, which positions Iran as a critical bridge between India, Russia, and Northern Europe. By reducing transit time and costs compared to traditional maritime routes, the corridor offers tangible economic and strategic benefits, reinforcing the logic of deeper cooperation.
Converging security concerns
Beyond economics, India and Iran share concerns over regional instability, extremism, and terrorism across West and South Asia. These shared vulnerabilities have encouraged discreet intelligence exchanges and security coordination. While the two countries may differ in their regional alignments, counterterrorism has remained a quiet but durable pillar of engagement.
At the same time, external pressures—particularly sanctions and great-power rivalries—have periodically constrained bilateral momentum. India’s approach has largely been one of strategic balancing, seeking to protect national interests without severing ties or provoking unnecessary confrontation.
Expanding cooperation beyond oil
Looking ahead, the sustainability of India–Iran relations depends on diversification. Overreliance on hydrocarbons limits the relationship’s potential and exposes it to external shocks. Both sides recognise the promise of collaboration in knowledge-driven sectors. India’s strengths in information technology and services can complement Iran’s advances in areas such as nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical sciences.
Equally important is the need for flexible financial mechanisms, including trade in local currencies, to reduce vulnerability to external sanctions regimes and transactional disruptions.
What to note for Prelims?
- Indo-Iranian linguistic and cultural links; Avesta–Rigveda similarities.
- Strategic importance of Chabahar Port for India.
- Role of Iran in the International North-South Transport Corridor.
What to note for Mains?
- Civilisational foundations of India–Iran relations and their contemporary relevance.
- Geopolitical and economic significance of connectivity projects.
- Challenges posed by sanctions and regional instability, and India’s balancing strategy.
