In a new three-part series, Ramesh Thakur examines dimensions of the Iran war. In part three, he takes a look at India’s contemporary and historic relations with Iran.

The regional turbulence and global repercussions of the war of choice on Iran by Israel and the US have tested the principles, resilience and coherence of India’s foreign policy.

Its ties with the region are deep, historical, commercial, cultural and religious. Its regional stakes in the war are substantial and varied, ranging from energy security to a substantial expatriate community and transformative diplomatic partnerships. It is reliant globally on the US for trade, investment and technology, on Israel for arms and anti-terrorism intelligence cooperation, on Iran for energy and connectivity to Central Asia, and on the Gulf monarchies for oil, gas, fertilisers and remittances.

Independent India’s foreign policy of nonalignment was based on three impulses: anticolonialism, political pluralism and autarkic state-directed industrialisation on the Soviet planning model. With Pakistan opting for alliance with the US, India’s ties deepened with Moscow.

The end of the Cold War upended the underlying bases and it undertook a complete reorientation of foreign policy towards the US while liberalising its economy. As it rose in the international power hierarchy, India acquired a stake in a polycentric global order underpinned by a policy of strategic autonomy that aimed to maximise good relations and exploit market and investment opportunities in every continent. It has also been redirecting arms purchases away from Russia towards France, Israel and the US.

On Ukraine, India prioritised the energy needs of its poor over the luxury-belief moralism of NATO countries. At various times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embraced President Donald Trump as a ‘ true friend,’ ‘ dear friend,’ and ‘ great friend of mine’. Yet,........

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