BRICS Summit Boost To India-Iran Ties

Table of Contents

Key Meeting Details

Historic First Meeting: This was the first meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Both leaders acknowledged the untapped potential in their bilateral relationship.
Iran’s Recognition of India’s Role: President Pezeshkian praised India’s global stature and its role in facilitating Iran’s 2023 entry into major multilateral organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS.
Focus Areas for Cooperation:
- Chabahar Port: Both nations explored further collaboration at Chabahar Port, critical for India’s connectivity and trade.
- International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Discussions included enhancing connectivity via the INSTC.

Facts

Iran is essential for India’s energy security.
It consists of 209 billion barrels of oil and 33,988 billion cubic metres of natural gas reserves which represents 24% of West Asia’s oil reserves and 12% globally.
Despite sanctions and the Gaza conflict, Iran’s crude production rose to 3.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in May 2024, with exports averaging 1.61 million bpd in March 2024.

Opportunities for Enhanced Partnership

Chabahar Port Operations:

New 10-Year Contract: India and Iran signed a 10-year contract for port operations in May 2024.
- Chabahar port is located outside the Strait of Hormuz which protects India’s trade routes from potential Persian Gulf conflicts.
Connectivity Projects:
- A 700-km rail link between Chabahar and Zahedan, to connect with Iran’s rail network.
- A planned road link from Zahedan to Zaranj, Afghanistan that will facilitate India’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Energy Supply Resumption: Iran met 12% of India’s crude needs before U.S. sanctions curtailed imports. A revived partnership could renew India’s oil and gas imports from Iran.
Iran-Oman-India Gas Pipeline: Since 1993, Iran and Oman have considered undersea gas pipelines, and an extension to India could be explored.
Military Cooperation:
- Defence Agreement: India and Iran signed a defence cooperation agreement in 2001, though implementation was hindered by sanctions.
- Possible Collaboration on Defense Technology:
  - Iran’s advancements in short- and medium-range missiles, hypersonic missiles, and armed drones may align with India’s defence needs.
  - Iran’s recent supply of armed drones to Russia in the Ukraine conflict highlights its capabilities, which could interest India.
- Counterterrorism and Naval Cooperation:
  - Joint Counterterrorism Measures: India and Iran could conduct joint exercises and share intelligence to combat terror threats from Pakistan.
  - Naval Presence: Port calls and logistical facilities in Iran’s Persian Gulf ports could be mutually beneficial.

India’s Diplomatic Approach

De-Hyphenated Diplomacy: India’s ability to maintain relations with adversarial nations (e.g., Iran and Israel) positions it uniquely for diplomatic engagements.
Strategic Autonomy: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine crisis demonstrated its focus on strategic autonomy, a principle it can apply in its Iran relations.

Challenges to the Bilateral Relationship

Out-of-Context Comments: Occasional comments, like Iran’s Supreme Leader’s statement on the “sufferings” of Indian Muslims in comparison to Gaza, have risked diplomatic friction.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

India aims to strengthen ties in West Asia, while Iran is consolidating its diplomatic reach and considers India an essential partner.
Both countries must prioritise the broader importance of their bilateral relationship over isolated remarks.
This meeting could serve as a turning point, revitalising the India-Iran partnership with an emphasis on connectivity, energy security, and regional stability.