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Modi & Iran: Navigating A Complex Geopolitical Chessboard

Mr. Casey Boyer

In the intricate dance of international diplomacy, the relationship between India and Iran under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a fascinating case study in strategic balancing and pragmatic engagement. Far from a straightforward alliance, the "Modi Iran" dynamic is shaped by historical ties, economic imperatives, regional conflicts, and the ever-present shadow of global power dynamics, particularly involving the United States. This nuanced relationship, characterized by both cooperation and careful navigation of geopolitical headwinds, underscores India's commitment to multi-alignment and its pursuit of national interests in a volatile world.

From critical energy supplies and strategic connectivity projects like Chabahar Port to navigating escalating tensions in West Asia and addressing humanitarian concerns for its citizens abroad, India's engagement with Iran under Prime Minister Modi has been multifaceted. Recent high-level discussions, including those with newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlight the delicate tightrope India walks to maintain its strategic autonomy while fostering stability in a region vital to its interests.

Table of Contents

A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape: India's Balancing Act

The global stage is currently defined by a confluence of escalating conflicts and shifting alliances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent participation in the G7 Outreach Summit in Calgary, Canada, on Monday, June 16, 2025, served as a stark reminder of this volatile environment. The summit unfolded against the backdrop of intensifying conflicts between Israel and Iran, alongside the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. In this complex scenario, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has consistently sought to uphold its strategic autonomy, engaging with all relevant parties while prioritizing its national interests and regional stability. This approach defines much of the "Modi Iran" narrative.

India's foreign policy under Modi has been characterized by a pragmatic and multi-aligned approach, aiming to maintain robust ties with diverse global powers, even those with conflicting interests. This strategy is particularly evident in its dealings with Iran, a nation critical for India's energy security and regional connectivity, yet one that faces significant international sanctions and geopolitical pressure, particularly from the United States. India's ability to engage with both Iran and its adversaries, such as Israel and the US, without taking an overtly partisan stance, showcases its diplomatic dexterity.

Diplomatic Engagements: Modi and Iranian Leadership

The frequency and nature of high-level interactions between India and Iran underscore the importance both nations attach to their bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi has consistently engaged with Iranian leadership, demonstrating a commitment to dialogue even amidst regional turmoil. These engagements form the bedrock of the "Modi Iran" relationship.

The Raisi Era: Pre-Tragedy Engagements

Before the tragic helicopter crash in May that claimed the life of President Ebrahim Raisi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a significant conversation with the Iranian President on Monday, discussing the current situation in West Asia. This telephone conversation, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, highlighted India's deep concern about the escalating conflict in the region. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri termed the discussion "fruitful," indicating a productive exchange of views on matters of mutual concern. Beyond immediate crises, the expansion of the BRICS grouping also figured prominently in the conversation between Modi and Raisi. Iran is among some 40 countries that are reportedly interested in joining BRICS, signaling its ambition for greater integration into alternative global economic blocs, a move India generally supports as it advocates for a more multipolar world order.

A New Chapter: Modi Meets President Pezeshkian

The leadership transition in Iran following President Raisi's death led to snap elections, bringing Masoud Pezeshkian into office in July. This marked a new chapter for the "Modi Iran" relationship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS summit provided the setting for the first meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian since the Iranian leader took office. This bilateral discussion was particularly significant as it occurred at a time when both India and Iran face pressure from the United States. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan was a crucial opportunity to review the full range of relations between India and Iran. During their bilateral talks, they agreed to expedite infrastructure cooperation, particularly regarding the Chabahar Port, a vital project for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Strategic Partnerships & Economic Imperatives

At the heart of the "Modi Iran" relationship lies the strategic imperative of economic cooperation and connectivity. The Chabahar Port project stands as a testament to this shared vision. Serving as India's gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, the port bypasses Pakistan, offering a crucial alternative trade route. The commitment to expedite infrastructure cooperation, particularly concerning Chabahar, was reiterated during Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Pezeshkian. This project is not merely about trade; it is about India's long-term strategic access and influence in a geopolitically significant region.

However, these ambitious projects are often intertwined with external pressures. The fate of India’s US$370 million project in Iran, likely related to the Chabahar development or associated infrastructure, hangs in the balance, especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to meet former US President Donald Trump in Washington. Trump's past actions, such as signing a national security memorandum on February 6, which led to the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran, have historically complicated India's engagement. India's challenge is to balance its strategic interests in Iran with its robust and expanding relationship with the United States, a key partner across various sectors. The "Modi Iran" equation thus includes a significant American variable.

The escalating conflict in West Asia, particularly the heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, has become a major point of concern for India. With Israel and Iran threatening each other with an endless series of retaliations, the region's stability is severely jeopardized. Prime Minister Modi has actively engaged with leaders from both sides to express India's concerns and advocate for de-escalation. Prime Minister Modi spoke with Israeli PM Netanyahu about the situation in Iran, during which Netanyahu briefed Modi on "Operation Rising Lion" targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites. This direct communication highlights India's proactive diplomatic efforts to understand and potentially mitigate the impact of regional conflicts. Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern about the situation, underscoring India's desire for peace and stability in a region critical for its energy supplies and diaspora.

India's consistent call for dialogue and de-escalation reflects its broader foreign policy stance of non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes. The "Modi Iran" relationship is thus framed within this larger regional security architecture, where India seeks to be a voice of reason and stability rather than taking sides in complex conflicts.

India's Enduring Support for Iran's Stability

Despite the complexities and external pressures, India has consistently affirmed its support for Iran's role in regional peace and security. Prime Minister Modi has praised Iran's constructive role in fostering peace and security, adding that India supports the Islamic Republic's efforts to enhance regional and international stability. This stance is rooted in a long history of engagement and a recognition of Iran's strategic importance. Historically, India's relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran has been notably more cooperative than with its predecessor, the Imperial State of Iran, which had tilted towards Pakistan in the 1965 and 1971 wars. This historical context provides a deeper understanding of the enduring trust and pragmatic cooperation that characterizes the current "Modi Iran" dynamic.

India views a stable and prosperous Iran as beneficial for the entire region, contributing to connectivity, trade, and counter-terrorism efforts. This perspective informs India's diplomatic efforts to engage with Iran constructively, even when other global powers adopt a more confrontational approach. India's independent foreign policy ensures that its engagement with Iran is based on its own strategic calculations rather than external dictates.

Humanitarian Concerns: Protecting Indian Citizens Abroad

Beyond high-level diplomacy and strategic projects, the "Modi Iran" relationship also encompasses vital humanitarian aspects, particularly the safety and well-being of Indian citizens residing in Iran. With an estimated 1,500 Indian students, many from Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing MBBS and other studies in Iran, their families back home have been gripped by anxiety, especially after recent Israeli attacks near Tehran. Worried parents in Kashmir have been pleading with the Indian government to evacuate their children, highlighting the direct human impact of geopolitical tensions.

In response, the Ministry of External Affairs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had once again proven that they care for every citizen of the country. The Indian embassy in Iran played a crucial role, arranging transport to airports and ensuring security amid the conflict. Upon their arrival in Kashmir Valley, the Kashmiri students appreciated the Indian embassy for their swift and effective assistance. This proactive approach to citizen welfare during crises reinforces the trustworthiness aspect of India's foreign policy and its commitment to its diaspora, regardless of their location or the geopolitical challenges involved. This aspect of care for its citizens abroad is a key element in strengthening the bond between the government and its people, even as it navigates the complexities of the "Modi Iran" relationship.

The BRICS Dimension: Expanding Influence

The expansion of the BRICS grouping has emerged as a significant agenda item in India's bilateral discussions with Iran. As noted earlier, Iran is among some 40 countries reportedly interested in joining BRICS. This interest, and the broader discussion on the grouping's expansion, figured prominently in conversations between Prime Minister Modi and former President Raisi, and later with President Pezeshkian. India, as a founding member of BRICS, plays a pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory. The inclusion of new members, including Iran, could significantly alter the global economic and geopolitical landscape, creating a more multipolar world order.

For Iran, joining BRICS offers a pathway to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions, diversify its economic partnerships, and enhance its international standing. For India, a larger BRICS group, including strategically important nations like Iran, aligns with its vision of a more balanced global order where developing nations have a stronger collective voice. The "Modi Iran" dialogue on BRICS reflects a shared desire for greater economic autonomy and a rebalancing of global power structures, moving away from a unipolar or bipolar world. This shared vision for multilateralism strengthens the strategic underpinnings of their relationship.

The Road Ahead: Complexities and Opportunities

The "Modi Iran" relationship is undeniably complex, shaped by a confluence of historical legacies, economic imperatives, and dynamic geopolitical realities. India's continued engagement with Iran, despite external pressures and regional volatility, underscores its commitment to a foreign policy that prioritizes national interest, strategic autonomy, and regional stability. From the critical Chabahar Port project to navigating the dangerous waters of West Asian conflicts and ensuring the safety of its citizens, India under Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated a pragmatic and balanced approach.

The recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan, occurring amidst US pressure, signal a clear intent from both sides to deepen cooperation. The discussions covered a full range of relations, from trade and connectivity to regional security, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their engagement. As the global order continues to evolve, the "Modi Iran" partnership will remain a crucial pillar of India's West Asia policy, adapting to new challenges while leveraging existing opportunities for mutual benefit. The ability of both nations to foster dialogue and cooperation, even when faced with significant external constraints, will be key to their continued strategic alignment and contribution to a more stable and multipolar world.

The strategic patience and diplomatic skill exhibited by India in managing its relationship with Iran serve as a model for navigating complex international relations. It demonstrates that strategic partnerships can be forged and sustained even amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, as long as there is a shared understanding of mutual interests and a commitment to pragmatic engagement.

Conclusion

The relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's India and Iran is a testament to India's sophisticated and multi-faceted foreign policy in a rapidly changing world. It is a bond woven from strategic economic interests, historical ties, and a shared desire for regional stability, all while carefully balancing global pressures. From the crucial Chabahar Port to navigating the perilous landscape of West Asian conflicts and ensuring the safety of Indian citizens, the "Modi Iran" dynamic reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy.

As global geopolitics continue to shift, India's ability to maintain constructive dialogue with Iran, even amidst differing international perspectives and escalating regional tensions, will be crucial. This relationship is not merely about bilateral trade or energy; it's about India's broader vision for a multipolar world where diverse nations can cooperate for mutual benefit and global stability. We invite you to share your thoughts on the evolving "Modi Iran" relationship in the comments below. How do you see this partnership shaping the future of West Asia and global dynamics? Explore more articles on India's foreign policy and its strategic engagements around the world on our platform.

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