India-Iran Relations and Current Regional Dynamics

Abstract

[India and Iran are the largest geo-political entities of respective regions that make their bilateral relationship very important in the current regional dynamics. Their relationship has grown smoothly in the spheres of commerce and trade, energy, defense, and regional developments over the years albeit a few irritants hampering a steep growth. In the current geo-political scenario, the situation in Afghanistan is one of the major focal points in their bilateral relations. Indian closer cooperation with the US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan, political and diplomatic pressure on Iran by the western powers, the imminent role of Pakistan in the future of Afghanistan, and a complex gambit of convergence and divergence of approaches regarding the Afghan question would have their implications for India-Iran relations and vice versa. It would be important for both the States to work with the regional actors for reaching a viable solution to the regional issues, particularly Afghanistan that has the potential of exacerbating the tensions in the region and beyond, and impact upon the bilateral and regional relationships between and among regional players. Developing a better understanding and drawing a mutually agreed road map by the neighboring countries are therefore vital for any future arrangement and a sustainable peace and stability in the region. – Eds.]