Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction: Brief Context
- Objective: Provide a brief introduction, highlighting the essence of India-Iran relations amidst challenges with the West, particularly the US.
- Content: Mention India’s strategic partnership with the US and the challenges Iran faces with the West. Explain that despite these challenges, India continues to prioritize its relationship with Iran due to several geopolitical and economic factors.
2. Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure
- Objective: Discuss the importance of Iran for India in terms of regional connectivity and infrastructure.
- Content:
- Highlight Chabahar Port, which serves as a key gateway for India to Central Asia and Eurasia.
- Mention the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement, both of which strengthen India’s regional connectivity.
- Fact to Use: “Iran is a crucial connecting point for Chabahar Port, INSTC, and the Ashgabat Agreement.”
3. Energy Security
- Objective: Explain how Iran contributes to India’s energy security.
- Content:
- Emphasize the importance of Iranian oil imports for India’s energy needs, despite the challenges posed by Western sanctions.
- Mention that Iran has historically been one of India’s largest suppliers of crude oil.
- Fact to Use: “India has historically been among the largest importers of Iranian crude oil.”
4. Strategic Implications: Countering China’s Influence
- Objective: Discuss the geopolitical aspect of India’s relationship with Iran in the context of countering China’s rising influence.
- Content:
- Mention China’s 2021 deal with Iran and its strategic significance.
- Explain why strengthening ties with Iran is important for India to balance China’s growing presence in the region.
- Fact to Use: “China’s 25-year, $400 billion deal with Iran in 2021 provides it significant access to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.”
5. Maritime Security and Strait of Hormuz
- Objective: Highlight the importance of Iran’s strategic location in securing maritime routes.
- Content:
- Discuss Iran’s role in ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy trade.
- Highlight the volume of oil and LNG passing through the Strait, emphasizing its importance for India’s trade and energy security.
- Fact to Use: “About 20 million barrels of oil and 10 billion cubic feet of LNG pass through Strait of Hormuz daily.”
6. Conclusion: India’s Diplomatic Strategy
- Objective: Summarize the importance of maintaining ties with Iran while balancing relations with the US.
- Content: Reaffirm that India’s relationship with Iran is crucial for its regional and strategic interests. Conclude that India must continue balancing its relations with both Iran and the US to safeguard its national interests.
Relevant Facts
- Chabahar Port and INSTC:
- “Iran is a crucial connecting point for Chabahar Port, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement.”
- Energy Security:
- “India has historically been among the largest importers of Iranian crude oil.”
- Strategic Implications – China:
- “China’s 25-year, $400 billion deal with Iran in 2021 provides it significant access to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.”
- Maritime Security – Strait of Hormuz:
- “About 20 million barrels of oil and 10 billion cubic feet of LNG pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily.”
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s relationship with Iran is an important aspect of its foreign policy, despite the challenges posed by its strategic partnership with the United States. Even though Iran faces strained relations with the West, particularly the US, India continues to prioritize its ties with Iran, recognizing the multifaceted nature of this relationship. The significance of maintaining this relationship is driven by a range of geopolitical and economic factors.
Significance of Iran for India
Regional Connectivity: Chabahar Port and the INSTC
Iran plays a vital role in India’s regional connectivity. Through Iran, India can access Central Asia and Eurasia while bypassing Pakistan. This is especially important for India as it seeks to diversify trade routes and improve ties with landlocked countries. Iran’s Chabahar Port serves as a strategic gateway, and its link to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement further enhances connectivity. This infrastructure development is crucial for India’s economic and strategic interests in the region.
Energy Security: Reliance on Iranian Oil
Energy security remains one of India’s key concerns, and Iran has historically been a crucial partner in this regard. Despite recent challenges posed by US-backed sanctions, India has remained one of the largest importers of Iranian crude oil. Iran’s oil reserves are critical for India’s energy needs, and the ongoing relationship ensures India can maintain a steady supply of energy resources.
Rise of China: Strategic Implications
The strengthening of China-Iran ties further underscores the importance of India’s relationship with Iran. In 2021, China signed a 25-year, $400 billion deal with Iran, which provides China access to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. For India, deepening ties with Iran becomes increasingly essential to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.
Maritime Security: Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s location near the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 million barrels of oil and 10 billion cubic feet of LNG pass daily, makes it a key player in regional maritime security. For India, collaborating with Iran helps secure vital sea lanes that are crucial for trade and energy shipments.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Autonomy and Prioritizing National Interests
India’s diplomatic efforts to balance its relations with the US while maintaining strong ties with Iran reflect its strategic priorities. By maintaining this relationship, India can safeguard its regional connectivity, energy security, and maritime interests, all while asserting its autonomy on the global stage.