Why in News: The growing relevance of India–Iran relations in the context of a changing global order, where ancient civilisations are seeking to shape a new, just, and multipolar world.
Introduction
- The contemporary world order is undergoing a profound transformation.
- The decline of Western hegemony and the rise of the Global South mark a new era of multipolarity.
- In this shifting global context, civilisational states like India and Iran—both inheritors of ancient legacies and modern aspirations—are positioned to play pivotal roles.
- Their shared cultural values, history of resistance to domination, and commitment to justice and equality form the basis of a partnership with relevance far beyond bilateral relations.
Civilisational Ties and Shared Values
- Historical Continuity: India and Iran are among the world’s oldest civilisations. Their contributions in philosophy, literature, statecraft, and art influenced conquerors and neighbouring regions.
- Spiritual Foundations: Both value peace, spirituality, inner purification, and respect for diversity.
- Islamic Enrichment: Iran’s civilisational continuity after Islam and India’s cultural synthesis under Islamic influence deepened their shared ethos.
- Modern Resilience: India’s anti-colonial struggle and leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement; Iran’s oil nationalisation and Islamic Revolution against domination reflect their civilisational assertion.
Contemporary Challenges and Common Struggles
- Western Domination: Both nations have resisted economic coercion, sanctions, and undue pressures.
- Structural Violence: Global crises such as environmental degradation, cognitive warfare, and cultural imperialism highlight the need for alternate models.
- Palestine Question: For both nations, Palestine remains symbolic of resisting occupation and supremacism, central to Global South solidarity.
Strategic and Economic Dimensions
1. South-South Cooperation:
- Strengthening voices of the Global South through BRICS, NAM, and G-77.
- Advocating participatory and democratic global governance.
2. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
- A civilisational bridge linking Eurasia, Caucasus, India, and Africa.
- Promotes connectivity, trade, and stability in West Asia.
3. Energy and Security Cooperation:
- Iran’s energy resources complement India’s growing needs.
- Regional security frameworks independent of external dominance align with both countries’ visions.
Iran and India as Civilisational Leaders in a Transitional World
- Redefining Global Order: Offering an alternative model based on justice, equality, and participation rather than domination.
- Strategic Autonomy: Both uphold independent foreign policy, resisting alignment with blocs.
- Environmental Ethics: Shared traditions of harmony with nature can guide global sustainability debates.
- Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: Civilisational dialogue enriches global discourse and builds bridges across regions.
The U.S. Factor and Regional Instability
- West Asia: U.S. interventions fuel instability in Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. Iran counters this by defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- South Asia: U.S. involvement in fostering and manipulating terrorism undermines regional security, highlighting the need for indigenous solutions.
Way Forward
1. Institutionalising Partnership: Greater engagement in BRICS, SCO, and INSTC projects.
2. Energy and Trade Cooperation: Long-term agreements for oil, gas, and connectivity infrastructure.
3. Cultural Exchanges: Leveraging civilisational legacies to deepen people-to-people ties.
4. Joint Global South Leadership: Coordinated positions on issues like Palestine, de-dollarisation, and climate justice.
Conclusion
The 21st century is increasingly a “time of transition” where emerging powers and ancient civilisations redefine global governance. India and Iran, with their civilisational wisdom, resilience, and shared vision, are uniquely placed to lead the Global South toward an order rooted in justice, equality, and human dignity.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper I: Civilisational linkages between India and Iran; cultural exchanges.
GS Paper II: India’s bilateral relations with Iran.
Mains Practice Questions
Q. Discuss the significance of India–Iran civilisational linkages in shaping a multipolar world order in the 21st century. (10 marks)