‘As Iran and India mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the moment is ripe for them to transform historical goodwill into a bold, forward-looking alliance’
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Relations between Iran and India transcend the boundaries of conventional diplomacy. They represent an ongoing dialogue between two ancient civilisations that emerged from a shared cultural womb at the dawn of human history. Long before the Aryan tribes divided — one settling on the Iranian plateau and the other in the fertile plains of the Indus and Ganges — they spoke related languages, worshipped through similar myths, and held a common worldview.
The profound resemblance between the Avesta and the Rigveda stands as clear testimony to this shared origin. Through centuries of political change, this civilisational affinity has nurtured a deep reservoir of trust and cultural understanding — never completely severed despite periods of distance and turmoil.
Nowhere is this historical bond more vividly reflected than in the enduring presence of Persian in the Indian subcontinent. India embraced Persian for centuries — not merely as a language, but as a vessel of art, diplomacy and poetry. This cultural hospitality gave rise to the luminous “Indian Style” (Sabk-e Hendi) in Persian literature, shaped by the imagination and creativity of Indo-Persian poets. Among them, Mirza Abdul-Qadir Bedil Dehlavi shines as the most illustrious figure — a poet whose philosophical depth and boundless imagination expanded the horizons of Persian poetry and continues to inspire scholars and writers across generations.
The modern drivers of ties
In today’s world, nostalgia alone cannot sustain bilateral relations. Fortunately, the evolving geopolitical environment and economic needs have drawn Tehran and New Delhi closer than ever. As the global order tilts toward multipolarity, the Iran-India axis is positioned to assume a strategic role in shaping regional stability and economic architecture.
Energy security remains a central pillar. India, one of the fastest-growing economies globally, continues to rely significantly on oil and gas to fuel its industries. With extensive hydrocarbon reserves, Iran stands as a natural partner in securing India’s long-term energy needs.
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Perhaps the most consequential arena of cooperation is transport and connectivity. India’s participation in the development of the Chabahar Port signals the strategic weight both nations attach to this maritime gateway. Complementing this, Iran forms a vital link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) — a multimodal route connecting India to Russia and Northern Europe through Iran. This corridor is approximately 40% shorter and 30% more cost-efficient when compared to the traditional Suez Canal route, granting both countries a competitive advantage in Eurasian trade.
Security and technology
Beyond commerce, Iran and India share mutual concerns regarding regional security. The rise of extremism and terrorism in West and South Asia threatens both nations, making intelligence cooperation a discreet yet essential foundation of bilateral ties.
Challenges remain. Historically, third-party pressures have influenced the trajectory of relations. Yet, India has often navigated these complexities by prioritising its national interest with strategic prudence. In an era marked by shifting power centres and the rise of Asia, it is imperative for both countries to strengthen flexible financial mechanisms — such as trade through local currencies — to reduce vulnerability to external constraints.
The future demands diversification beyond traditional oil trade. Cooperation in knowledge-based industries, information technology — where India holds significant comparative advantage — and in nanotechnology and the medical sciences (fields in which Iran has made remarkable progress), can open new horizons of economic partnership.
Such collaboration can transform the relationship from transactional to innovation-driven, benefiting both societies.
A shared future built on an ancient past
Iran and India may rightly be described as one soul in two bodies — united by history, enriched by culture, and positioned by geography to complement one another. If the Silk Road and Persian language once formed the bridge between them, today, energy cooperation, counterterrorism and strategic transit connectivity serve as the new pillars of partnership.
As the two nations mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the moment is ripe for Tehran and New Delhi to transform historical goodwill into a bold, forward-looking alliance. A revitalised partnership will not only enhance the prosperity of their peoples but also anchor stability in the turbulent landscape of West Asia.
The time has come for Iran and India, guided by their shared legacy and mutual interests, to design a future that is collaborative, resilient, and independent, echoing the ancient symphony of civilisations that still binds them today.
Mohammad Fathali is Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India
Published – December 29, 2025 12:08 am IST
