Why in the News?
- The global order is undergoing a transition, with the West’s dominance weakening and new civilisational powers like India and Iran emerging as influential actors.
- Both India and Iran are seeking to strengthen South-South cooperation and advance projects such as BRICS and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Ongoing regional crises (e.g., Palestine, West Asia instability) highlight the importance of independent voices such as India and Iran.
Key Highlights
- Crisis of the Western-led Order
- Decline of U.S. ability to dictate global affairs.
- Misuse of international law, trade wars, unilateral sanctions, and media manipulation.
- Loss of effectiveness of Western dominance tools like financial monopoly, technological control, and human rights rhetoric.
- Rise of the Global South
- Countries moving away from domination and discrimination.
- Adoption of indigenous models, strengthening local technologies, and independent security strategies.
- Ancient civilisations like India and Iran reclaiming their roles in shaping world order.
- Civilisational and Historical Links between India and Iran
- Shared traditions of peace, spirituality, and cultural resilience.
- Contributions to statecraft, literature, philosophy, and art despite foreign invasions.
- In modern times, their resistance to external domination became defining features:
- India fought colonial rule, later became a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and consistently stood for sovereignty and equality of nations.
- Iran resisted Western dominance by nationalising oil in the 1950s, and through the Islamic Revolution (1979), it asserted its political independence and civilisational identity.
- Together, they symbolise resilience against hegemonic pressures and act as voices of dignity, justice, and independence in the Global South.
- Partnership in Multilateral Platforms
- BRICS is seen as an alternative to Western financial hegemony.
- INSTC is not just an economic route, but a civilisational and cultural bridge across Eurasia, Africa, and West Asia.
- Common advocacy for just, participatory, and multipolar order.
- Regional Security and Geopolitical Stances
- Iran’s opposition to U.S. interventions in West Asia, highlighting Palestine as the core issue of Global South struggles.
- Criticism of U.S. role in fuelling terrorism in South Asia.
- India and Iran both emphasise sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multilateral diplomacy.
India–Iran Relations
| Period | Nature of Relationship |
| Ancient Period | Strong cultural and civilisational linkages through trade, language, religion, and art. Persian influence visible in Indian architecture, literature, and governance. |
| Medieval Period | Persian language became the language of administration and culture in India. Mughal courts were heavily influenced by Persian art, poetry, and philosophy. |
| Colonial Period | Both India and Iran suffered Western domination. Shared anti-colonial sentiments. |
| Post-Independence (1947–1979) | India maintained close ties with Iran under Shah’s regime; cooperation in trade and regional stability. |
| Post-Islamic Revolution (1979 onwards) | Relationships saw ups and downs due to Iran’s confrontation with the West. India balanced ties with Iran and Western powers. |
| 1990s–2000s | India and Iran cooperated on energy (oil & gas) and connectivity projects like Chabahar Port and INSTC. |
| Recent Years | Despite U.S. sanctions on Iran, India continues limited engagement. Focus on Chabahar, connectivity, BRICS cooperation, and regional security dialogue. |
Implications
- For India–Iran Relations
- Strengthening strategic connectivity via INSTC.
- Potential to expand trade, energy, and defence ties.
- Shared stance against unilateralism may improve cooperation.
- For the Global South
- Emergence of India and Iran as civilisational leaders promoting justice, equality, and participation.
- Support for de-dollarisation and alternative global financial frameworks.
- Push towards South-South solidarity.
- For West Asia
- Iran’s opposition to U.S. interventions strengthens calls for indigenous regional security.
- Potential for India to play a balancing role between competing actors in the region.
- For Multipolarity
- India and Iran can act as poles of stability, resisting bloc politics.
- BRICS and INSTC as vehicles for new power alignments.
- For Global Challenges
- Civilisational wisdom offers approaches to peace, sustainability, and cultural resilience.
- Could provide moral leadership in addressing crises like Palestine, climate change, and structural inequalities.
Challenges and Way Forward
| Challenges | Way Forward |
| U.S. sanctions on Iran restricting economic engagement. | India to explore alternative payment systems and strengthen rupee–rial trade. |
| Geopolitical tensions (U.S.–Iran rivalry, China’s growing influence). | India should maintain strategic autonomy and balanced partnerships. |
| Instability in West Asia affecting connectivity projects like INSTC. | Strengthen regional diplomacy and invest in security frameworks. |
| Divergent domestic priorities in India and Iran. | Establish institutional mechanisms for long-term cooperation. |
| Risk of being viewed as anti-West by deepening Iran partnership. | Project narrative of multipolarity, not confrontation, to balance interests. |
Conclusion
India and Iran, as ancient civilisations with modern aspirations, stand at the forefront of shaping a multipolar and just world order. Their partnership, grounded in civilisational wisdom, strategic independence, and South-South cooperation; can provide alternatives to Western hegemony. The path ahead is complex, but through resilience, balanced diplomacy, and multilateral engagement, both nations can lead the Global South towards a participatory and humane global system.
| EnsureIAS Mains Question Q. India and Iran, as ancient civilisations, are increasingly positioning themselves as leaders of the Global South. Discuss the civilisational, strategic, and geopolitical dimensions of their partnership. How can this partnership contribute to building a multipolar world order? (250 Words) |
| EnsureIAS Prelims Question Q. Consider the following statements regarding India–Iran relations: 1. The Chabahar Port project, developed with India’s assistance, provides India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan. 2. India and Iran are both founding members of BRICS. 3. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), in which both India and Iran are partners, connects South Asia with Europe via Iran, Russia, and the Caucasus. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
|
