Indians Return from Iran Amid Protests, Embassy Offers Support
Indian nationals return from Iran amid protests; embassy provides assistance.
Photo by Morteza F.Shojaei
Key Facts
Indians returned: Via commercial flights from Iran
Reason: Protests and government crackdowns
Embassy support: Reassuring Indian nationals
Nationals in Iran: Approximately 9,000
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: International Relations, India and its neighborhood
Impact of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Bilateral relations, regional groupings
Visual Insights
Indian Nationals in Iran
Map showing the location of Iran and the approximate number of Indian nationals residing there, highlighting the capital city Tehran where the Indian Embassy is located.
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More Information
Background
The relationship between India and Iran has ancient roots, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Cultural and trade exchanges flourished for centuries. In modern times, India and Iran maintained cordial relations, particularly during the Cold War era, despite differing political alignments.
The 1950 Treaty of Friendship further solidified these ties. However, the Iranian Revolution in 1979 brought significant changes, impacting the dynamics of the relationship. India's growing energy needs and Iran's substantial oil reserves have been a key factor in their interactions.
The development of the Chabahar Port project, aimed at bypassing Pakistan for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, represents a significant strategic and economic partnership.
Latest Developments
In recent years, India-Iran relations have faced challenges due to international sanctions on Iran and India's growing strategic partnership with the United States. India has had to balance its energy needs with its commitment to international norms. The Chabahar Port project has continued to be a focal point of cooperation, with India seeking waivers from US sanctions to proceed with its development.
Looking ahead, the future of India-Iran relations will likely depend on the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and the potential easing of international sanctions. India's ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial in maintaining a stable and mutually beneficial relationship with Iran. The recent inclusion of Iran as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) could also reshape the dynamics.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Chabahar Port project: 1. It is a trilateral agreement between India, Iran, and Pakistan. 2. It provides India with access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. 3. The project has faced delays due to international sanctions on Iran. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect because the agreement is between India, Iran, and Afghanistan, not Pakistan. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
2. Which of the following factors has NOT historically influenced India-Iran relations?
- A.Cultural exchanges dating back to ancient civilizations
- B.India's energy dependence on Iranian oil
- C.India's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- D.Differing political alignments during the Cold War
Show Answer
Answer: C
While India is currently a member of the SCO, this is a relatively recent development and has not historically influenced India-Iran relations to the same extent as the other factors.
3. Assertion (A): India has maintained diplomatic relations with Iran despite international pressure. Reason (R): India's energy security and strategic interests in Central Asia necessitate engagement with Iran. 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
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why India has maintained relations with Iran despite external pressure.