The BRICS summit boost to India-Iran ties

• The recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan underscores the growing scope for cooperation between India and Iran, especially amid the backdrop of regional conflicts.
• Both leaders emphasized the vast untapped potential in the India-Iran partnership, ranging from energy security and connectivity to defense and counterterrorism.

Key Areas of Cooperation

Chabahar Port and Connectivity:

• India’s strategic investment in Chabahar Port and its connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a pillar of Indo-Iranian collaboration. This port offers India a reliable access point to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. In 2024, India and Iran committed to a 10-year operational contract for Chabahar, highlighting its importance for regional trade and humanitarian aid access.

Energy Cooperation:

• Iran’s significant oil and gas reserves could be pivotal in fulfilling India’s energy needs, especially if sanctions ease. Before 2019, Iran supplied nearly 12% of India’s crude oil. Resuming oil imports from Iran, or exploring projects like the Iran-Oman-India gas pipeline, could bolster India’s energy security and reduce dependency on other volatile regions.

Defense and Counterterrorism:

• India and Iran could strengthen defense ties by reviving past agreements and exploring joint development of military technologies. Iran’s advancements in missile technology and drone capabilities could complement India’s defense initiatives. Furthermore, counterterrorism collaboration and intelligence-sharing could help both nations address shared security concerns, particularly regarding groups operating from Pakistan.

Strategic Autonomy and Diplomacy:

• India's diplomatic balancing act—maintaining close ties with both Israel and Iran—could play a significant role in efforts to de-escalate conflicts in the region, particularly the Gaza crisis. India’s stance of strategic autonomy enables it to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and build partnerships that advance national interests without external interference.

Challenges and Considerations:

• The relationship has faced interruptions due to sanctions on Iran and occasional contentious remarks, such as recent comments by Iran's Supreme Leader about the situation of Indian Muslims. Nonetheless, both sides seem committed to advancing bilateral ties and separating diplomatic differences from domestic statements.

Conclusion:

• India and Iran’s meeting at BRICS has likely set a promising trajectory for cooperation, aligning with India’s broader West Asia outreach under Modi’s third term and Iran’s ambitions to consolidate its diplomatic gains. If both nations remain committed to pragmatism and strategic alignment, this renewed momentum could usher in a stronger, multifaceted partnership.