Although the original Chabahar port agreement between India and Iran was signed in 2003, U.S. sanctions have consistently slowed down progress on the major connectivity project from India through Iran to Afghanistan and Central Asia. File
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphotos

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Kazan, Russia:

With the conflict in West Asia escalating significantly after Israel and Iran threatened each other of an endless series of retaliations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in the city of Kazan.

India has expressed “deep concern” over the current situation in West Asia and has been calling for “dialogue and diplomacy” to de-escalate the tension in the region also known as the Middle East.

The meeting between the two leaders came amid the year-long Israel-Hamas war and the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and after Iran’s ballistic missile offensive against Israel led to Tel Aviv vowing a massive retaliation.

INDIA’S ATTEMPT TO BROKER PEACE

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasised the need for peace in the region and the “role that New Delhi could play in de-escalating the Middle East crisis,” given its good relations with all the parties involved.

India, which has friendly relations with almost all nations, finds itself in a unique position to be able to mediate between Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu three weeks ago and has met the Iranian President today.

This is not the only case where New Delhi is trying to broker peace between conflicting sides. PM Modi is also trying to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine which have been at war since 2022. Here too, Prime Minister Modi shares a strong bond with both Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy.

PM Modi has visited Russia twice in three months and went to Ukraine as well in this period. He also reportedly sent a “peace plan” for President Putin last month when National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met the Russian President in Moscow.

CHABAHAR PORT AND INST CORRIDOR

During the meeting PM Modi and President Pezeshkian also discussed the India-Iran bilateral ties and ways to strengthen it. Among several key areas of cooperation, the two leaders discussed strategic projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor or INSTC.

After the meeting, PM Modi shared a post on social media platform X, in which he wrote “Had a very good meeting with the President of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian. We reviewed the full range of relations between our countries. We also discussed ways to deepen ties in futuristic sectors.” He shared the same post in Persian too.

WHAT MORE WAS DISCUSSED

The Ministry of External Affairs gave more details about what the two leaders discussed, as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a press briefing in which he said that PM Modi and President Pezeshkian held “fruitful discussions”, adding that “Both the leaders discussed the situation in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated India’s call for the protection of civilians and the prevention of harm to civilians. He emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the tensions.”

Mr Misri further said that “President Pezeshkian emphasised the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties involved.”

The foreign secretary went on to say that PM Modi congratulated President Pezeshkian on his electoral victory and also welcomed Iran to the BRICS forum, which it has joined officially from this year.

Speaking about the millenia-old ties between the two countries, the foreign secretary said, “Both leaders emphasised the shared historical and civilisational ties between the two countries and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation.”

“The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation, particularly the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) which are crucial for enhancing regional connectivity and economic partnership,” Mr Misri said.

REDEVELOPMENT OF AFGHANISTAN

In a statement about the bilateral talks, the Ministry of External Affairs said in its statement that the two leaders noted that “The signing of the long-term contract of Chabahar Port is an important milestone in bilateral relations.”

It further stated that the two leaders reaffirmed its significance for reconstruction and redevelopment of Afghanistan and enhancing trade and economic linkages with Central Asia.”

INDIA’S SUPPORT TO IRAN

President Pezeshkian acknowledged India’s role in Iran’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO and BRICS forums. “They agreed to continue their cooperation in various international forums,” the foreign secretary said at the press briefing.

The foreign ministry said that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Iranian President Pezeshkian to visit India at an early date,” adding that “President Pezeshkian has accepted the invitation.”

This was their first meeting after Mr Pezeshkian became President of Iran in July. He succeeded President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
 

Kazan, Russia:

With the conflict in West Asia escalating significantly after Israel and Iran threatened each other of an endless series of retaliations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in the city of Kazan.

India has expressed “deep concern” over the current situation in West Asia and has been calling for “dialogue and diplomacy” to de-escalate the tension in the region also known as the Middle East.

The meeting between the two leaders came amid the year-long Israel-Hamas war and the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and after Iran’s ballistic missile offensive against Israel led to Tel Aviv vowing a massive retaliation.

INDIA’S ATTEMPT TO BROKER PEACE

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasised the need for peace in the region and the “role that New Delhi could play in de-escalating the Middle East crisis,” given its good relations with all the parties involved.

India, which has friendly relations with almost all nations, finds itself in a unique position to be able to mediate between Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu three weeks ago and has met the Iranian President today.

This is not the only case where New Delhi is trying to broker peace between conflicting sides. PM Modi is also trying to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine which have been at war since 2022. Here too, Prime Minister Modi shares a strong bond with both Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy.

PM Modi has visited Russia twice in three months and went to Ukraine as well in this period. He also reportedly sent a “peace plan” for President Putin last month when National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met the Russian President in Moscow.

CHABAHAR PORT AND INST CORRIDOR

During the meeting PM Modi and President Pezeshkian also discussed the India-Iran bilateral ties and ways to strengthen it. Among several key areas of cooperation, the two leaders discussed strategic projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor or INSTC.

After the meeting, PM Modi shared a post on social media platform X, in which he wrote “Had a very good meeting with the President of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian. We reviewed the full range of relations between our countries. We also discussed ways to deepen ties in futuristic sectors.” He shared the same post in Persian too.

WHAT MORE WAS DISCUSSED

The Ministry of External Affairs gave more details about what the two leaders discussed, as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a press briefing in which he said that PM Modi and President Pezeshkian held “fruitful discussions”, adding that “Both the leaders discussed the situation in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated India’s call for the protection of civilians and the prevention of harm to civilians. He emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the tensions.”

Mr Misri further said that “President Pezeshkian emphasised the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties involved.”

The foreign secretary went on to say that PM Modi congratulated President Pezeshkian on his electoral victory and also welcomed Iran to the BRICS forum, which it has joined officially from this year.

Speaking about the millenia-old ties between the two countries, the foreign secretary said, “Both leaders emphasised the shared historical and civilisational ties between the two countries and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation.”

“The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation, particularly the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) which are crucial for enhancing regional connectivity and economic partnership,” Mr Misri said.

REDEVELOPMENT OF AFGHANISTAN

In a statement about the bilateral talks, the Ministry of External Affairs said in its statement that the two leaders noted that “The signing of the long-term contract of Chabahar Port is an important milestone in bilateral relations.”

It further stated that the two leaders reaffirmed its significance for reconstruction and redevelopment of Afghanistan and enhancing trade and economic linkages with Central Asia.”

INDIA’S SUPPORT TO IRAN

President Pezeshkian acknowledged India’s role in Iran’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO and BRICS forums. “They agreed to continue their cooperation in various international forums,” the foreign secretary said at the press briefing.

The foreign ministry said that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Iranian President Pezeshkian to visit India at an early date,” adding that “President Pezeshkian has accepted the invitation.”

This was their first meeting after Mr Pezeshkian became President of Iran in July. He succeeded President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
 

Iranian presidential candidate and reformist Massoud Pezeshkian, flashes the V-sign for victory after casting his vote during the presidential election in Tehran on June 28, 2024. Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s only reformist candidate in the latest presidential election, has risen from relative obscurity to become the ninth president of the Islamic republic on July 6, 2024. Pezeshkian, 69, won around 53.6 percent of the vote in a runoff election against the ultraconservative Saeed Jalili.
| Photo Credit: AFP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on July 6 for his win in Iran’s presidential runoff election.

“Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region,” Mr. Modi wrote on social media platform X.

India and Iran have warm ties despite Tehran’s pariah status among Western countries including the United States, at the same time as New Delhi pursues greater security cooperation with Washington.

In May, both countries signed a contract to develop and equip the long-stalled Chabahar port project in Iran, prompting Washington to warn that Indian firms working on the project risked sanctions.

Mr. Pezeshkian received around 54% of the vote while ultraconservative rival Saeed Jalili got around 44% in the second round of the poll.

An election was not due until 2025 but was called early after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

New Delhi:

As Masoud Pezeshkian emerges victorious from Iran’s presidential election, defeating hardliner Saeed Jalili, his presidency promises a shift towards more pragmatic and reformist policies. But how will Mr Pezeshkian’s presidency reshape Iran-India relations?

Mr Pezeshkian, a seasoned lawmaker and cardiac surgeon, has long supported both domestic and international reforms in Iran. His win is viewed as a call for change since it follows a general unhappiness with the hardline policies of his predecessors. But the dynamics of Iranian politics, where hardliners still control the majority and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei retains ultimate authority, will put Mr Pezeshkian’s ability to carry out his vision to the test.

READ | Iran Reformist Pezeshkian Defeats Hardliner Jalili In Presidential Polls

“Today, we are holding the second round of the presidential election. More than 700 polling centres are accepting the vote of Iranians. We hope that by tomorrow morning we will have a new president. There will be no changes in Iranian foreign policy and internal policy. Both discourses emphasise strengthening Iranian power internally and externally,” said Iran’s ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi.

India-Iran Ties

India and Iran have historically enjoyed strong economic ties. Under Pezeshkian’s presidency, these ties are likely to deepen.

The focus will be especially on the strategic Chabahar Port, a project to which India has already committed heavy investments. It is an important transit point for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. India has pledged $120 million for the development of the Shahid-Beheshti Port terminal and offered a $250 million credit line for infrastructure projects in Iran. Experts believe that Iran’s general foreign policy is unlikely to change whoever takes over next; modus operandi and details may, however, be different.

READ | Developing Chabahar Port “De-Risks” Commerce Between India, Eurasia: PM Modi

Iran is one of India’s key sources of crude oil. With Iran eyeing an increase in the exports of oil against the backdrop of ongoing Western sanctions, India could be looking at a reliable and arguably cheaper source of crude oil.

The Pezeshkian approach to regional security will be closely watched in New Delhi. His stand related to keeping up the Axis of Resistance” against Israel and strategic regional siding with forces against what he calls “the Zionist regime” could continue to impact India’s tightrope diplomacy in the region.

Another platform for close cooperation between India and Iran is the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal transportation route connecting India to Russia via Iran. This corridor increases connectivity in terms of trade and bilateral ties for regional stability.

Iran Elections

The presidential election in Iran takes place in the backdrop of former President Ebrahim Raisi passing away in a helicopter crash on May 19. The polls saw the lowest turnout of voters since the 1979 Islamic Revolution as only 39.92 per cent of eligible voters took part.

The Iranian government had predicted, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei forecasted a higher turnout. State television showed modest lines at polling centres, while online videos depicted empty polls and light traffic at some sites in the capital, Tehran, reportedly with a heavy security presence.

The elections were held amid heightened regional tensions. In April, for instance, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel amid the latter’s ongoing aggression in Gaza. This was then followed by an intensification of attacks by militant groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Houthis of Yemen, both armed by Tehran. 

While Ayatollah Khamenei has the last word on state affairs, it remains to be seen if the Middle Eastern nation adopts a change in its foreign policy in light of recent events. 

Washington:

Any country having business dealings with Iran runs the risk of sanctions, the United States has said, noting that it is aware that Iran and India have signed a deal concerning the Chabahar port.

“We’re aware of these reports that Iran and India have signed a deal concerning the Chabahar port. I will let the government of India speak to its own foreign policy goals vis-a-vis the Chabahar port as well as its own bilateral relationship with Iran,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at his daily news conference.

“I will just say, as it relates to the United States, US sanctions on Iran remain in place and we’ll continue to enforce them,” he said in response to a question on India’s deal with Iran on the strategic Chabahar port.

“You’ve heard us say this in a number of instances, that any entity, anyone considering business deals with Iran, they need to be aware of the potential risk that they are opening themselves up to and the potential risk of sanctions,” Patel said.

India and Iran on Monday signed a 10-year contract for the operation of a terminal at the strategically important Chabahar port in Iran, a move that will boost regional connectivity as well as trade ties.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)