The relationship between Iran and India has long been shaped by deep-rooted civilisational and historical ties. For centuries, these two ancient nations have not only engaged in trade and political interaction but have also profoundly influenced each other in the realms of culture, language, art, and intellectual thought. Even today, amid rapid global transformations and intensifying power rivalries across Asia, the Tehran-New Delhi relationship retains special significance. A closer look at the various dimensions of this relationship reveals that Iran and India have the potential to play a key role in shaping a more balanced regional order.

The roots of Iran–India relations run deep in the history of South Asian and Iranian Plateau civilisations. Since ancient times, the two countries have been connected through trade routes and cultural and linguistic exchanges. In the modern era, following India’s Independence, formal diplomatic relations were established with the signing of a Treaty of Friendship in 1950. Ever since, bilateral relations have consistently persisted based on mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and friendly cooperation across various fields. Shared civilisational bonds, historical ties and a shining history of cooperation form a strong foundation for further development of relations. However, to fully realise these potentials, a concrete roadmap for bilateral cooperation is necessary.

The future depth and growth of Iran-India relations will depend heavily on economic collaboration. A look at the two countries’ economies reveals many complementary strengths. Iran holds vast energy reserves and is a major global crude oil........

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