New Delhi: Many big leaders of the world attended the 18th BRICS summit held in India, but the meeting of Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian with President Draupadi Murmu attracted special attention. Many leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa came to Delhi. However, the Iranian President's visit to India was important in many ways. This was Pejeshkian's first visit to India.
At a time when Iran is facing tensions and economic pressure with the US and Israel, his presence in India and talks with the top leadership are being considered an important diplomatic gesture.
Why is Iran important for India?
Iran is not just a country in West Asia for India. The relations between the two countries are linked to many important interests related to strategic, economic and security. Chabahar port, energy supply, maritime trade, access to Central Asia and regional security are issues on which it is important for India to maintain contact with Iran. Amidst increasing tensions in West Asia, it is also important for India to keep the lines of dialogue open with all major parties. Relations with Iran are a part of this balanced foreign policy.
Connection from Chabahar Port to Central Asia
Iran's Chabahar port is included in India's most important strategic projects. Through this, India can have trade access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without crossing Pakistan. This port is also important for India's regional connectivity and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Better relations with Iran can help India provide an alternative route to Eurasia markets. This is the reason why Chabahar remains a major pillar of India-Iran relations.
Oil and maritime security are also big reasons
India meets a large part of its energy needs through imports. Any major tension in West Asia can affect the price and supply of crude oil. In such a situation, maintaining dialogue with Iran is useful for India's energy security. Apart from this, the activities of the Houthi group in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb region have created new challenges for maritime trade. India's large trade with West Asia and Europe is linked to the stability of these sea routes. Therefore, to reduce regional tension, it is important for India to maintain contact with all concerned parties.
Why is the security of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for the Persian Gulf and global energy trade. The security of energy supplies and maritime trade coming to India from West Asia is directly linked to the stability of the region. Amidst the current tension, it is important for India to prevent any major crisis in the region.
centuries old civilizational relationship
Relations between India and Iran are not limited to today's politics only. There have been cultural, linguistic, trade and civilizational relations between the two countries for a long time. This old association gives a different basis to the relations between the two countries. Along with this, India wants to maintain relations with America, Russia, Israel, Arab countries and Iran as per its national interests. Frequent dialogue with Iran strengthens India's independent and balanced foreign policy.
Who attended BRICS Summit?
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Egyptian President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi attended the conference.
Apart from this, President of Burundi Evarist Ndayishimiye, President of Kazakhstan Kassym Jomart, President of Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Uganda Jessica Alupo and Crown Prince of UAE Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed. Bin Zayed Al Nahyan also attended the conference.