Background Context
The relationship between India and Iran has ancient roots, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Cultural and trade links flourished for centuries. In modern times, India and Iran maintained cordial relations, particularly during the Cold War, despite differing political alignments. The 1979 Iranian Revolution brought about significant changes, but India continued to engage with Iran, focusing on economic and strategic interests. The development of the Chabahar Port project exemplifies this ongoing cooperation, providing India with access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Historical interactions have shaped the current dynamics, influencing India's approach to regional tensions and its engagement with Iran.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
1. It is a 7,200-km long multi-modal transportation route linking India, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, and Europe.
2. The primary objective is to promote trade connectivity and reduce transit time between India and Russia.
3. Chabahar Port in Iran is a crucial node in the INSTC.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Afghanistan is not a direct part of the INSTC route. The INSTC aims to reduce transit time and cost for goods moving between India, Iran, Russia, and Europe, with Chabahar Port serving as a key transit point.
Question 2
Which of the following statements accurately describes India's approach to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal?
A) India has consistently opposed the JCPOA and supported the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.
B) India has remained neutral, refraining from expressing any opinion on the JCPOA.
C) India has expressed concerns about the JCPOA but continues to engage with Iran while adhering to UN Security Council resolutions.
D) India has strongly advocated for the JCPOA's full implementation and has actively circumvented US sanctions to maintain trade with Iran.
Explanation: India has expressed concerns regarding the JCPOA due to regional stability implications but has maintained engagement with Iran while adhering to UN Security Council resolutions. India balances its relations with Iran and the US.
Question 3
Assertion (A): India's engagement with Iran is crucial for its energy security and regional connectivity.
Reason (R): Iran holds significant reserves of natural gas and provides a land route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why India's engagement with Iran is crucial. Iran's energy resources and its geographical location are key factors.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding India-Iran relations?
1. India and Iran share important connectivity interests, including the Chabahar Port project.
2. India has consistently supported all resolutions against Iran at the United Nations.
3. India and Iran have no shared security interests in the region.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as India and Iran are partners in the Chabahar Port project. Statement 2 is incorrect as India has often abstained from voting on resolutions against Iran. Statement 3 is incorrect as both countries have shared security interests, particularly concerning Afghanistan and regional stability.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
Discuss the strategic significance of India-Iran relations in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. How do recent events, such as the unrest in Iran and US sanctions, impact India's interests and foreign policy options?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
With which country did External Affairs Minister Jaishankar discuss the recent unrest?
- (a) Iraq
- (b) Afghanistan
- (c) Iran
- (d) Saudi Arabia
Explanation: The news article states that Jaishankar spoke with the Iranian Foreign Minister.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
Which of the following countries has India advised its citizens to avoid traveling to, given the recent unrest?
- (a) Syria
- (b) Yemen
- (c) Iran
- (d) Lebanon
Explanation: The news article explicitly mentions that India advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
What is the primary reason for the Indian government's advisory to its citizens regarding travel to Iran?
- (a) Economic recession
- (b) Political unrest
- (c) Natural disaster
- (d) Trade negotiations
Explanation: The advisory was issued due to the unrest in Iran, as mentioned in the news article.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
Which of the following factors could potentially affect India's trade relations with Iran, based on the given information?
- (a) Increased oil production in India
- (b) US sanctions on Iran
- (c) Improved diplomatic relations with Pakistan
- (d) Discovery of new mineral resources in Iran
Explanation: The news article mentions that Jaishankar had spoken with the US Secretary of State after President Trump threatened tariffs on countries trading with Iran, implying that US sanctions could affect India's trade relations.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
The Chabahar Port, mentioned in the context of India-Iran relations, is strategically important for India because it provides access to:
- (a) Pakistan
- (b) Russia
- (c) China
- (d) Afghanistan
Explanation: Chabahar Port provides India with access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following statements best describes India's current approach to the situation in Iran, based on the provided information?
- (a) Openly supporting the Iranian government
- (b) Condemning the Iranian government's actions
- (c) Maintaining a neutral stance and advising caution to its citizens
- (d) Actively intervening in the internal affairs of Iran
Explanation: India has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and urged those present to exercise caution, indicating a neutral stance focused on citizen safety.