PM Modi urges Iran to ensure peace, freedom of navigation
2-minute summary
During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. PM Modi urged Iran to prioritize regional peace, stability, and the 'freedom of navigation' in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that commercial shipping, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. In response, President Pezeshkian blamed Israel and the United States for the ongoing West Asian conflict and requested India to utilize its 'extensive contacts' with various global parties to facilitate dialogue. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral trade, expanding connectivity projects like the Chabahar Port, and strengthening long-standing diplomatic ties. PM Modi also expressed anticipation for welcoming the Iranian President to India for the upcoming BRICS summit.
Why it's in the news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek, marking their first top-level meeting since the escalation of conflict in West Asia, focusing on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and regional stability.
Background and context
India and Iran share deep historical, cultural, and civilizational ties. In contemporary geopolitics, Iran is a crucial partner for India's connectivity ambitions to Central Asia and Eurasia, bypassing Pakistan through the strategic Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). However, India's relationship with Iran has faced a delicate balancing act due to US-led economic sanctions (such as CAATSA) and India's growing strategic partnerships with Israel and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical global energy chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil passes. Any instability in this region directly threatens India's energy security, trade routes, and the safety of the large Indian diaspora working in the Gulf.
Constitutional provisions
- Article 51 — Under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), it directs the State to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, and foster respect for international law.
International organisations
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) — A Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defence organization. The meeting between the leaders of India and Iran took place on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- BRICS — An influential bloc of emerging economies which both India and Iran are members of. PM Modi invited President Pezeshkian to India for the upcoming BRICS summit.
Previous UPSC questions on this theme
- Prelims GS-1 2017 — What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (a) India's trade with African countries will enormously increase. (b) India's relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened. (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.
Mains practice: Examine the strategic and economic significance of Iran for India's foreign policy. How should India navigate its relationship with Tehran amidst escalating geopolitical conflicts in West Asia?
Iran occupies a pivotal position in India’s foreign policy matrix, serving as a bridge to Central Asia and a key partner in West Asia.
**Strategic and Economic Significance of Iran for India:**
• **Connectivity and Eurasian Access:** With Pakistan denying land transit, Iran’s Chabahar Port is India's gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), bypassing Pakistan.
• **Energy Security:** Though direct oil imports have been restricted due to US sanctions, Iran remains a vital potential energy partner with massive oil and gas reserves.
• **Maritime Security:** Iran flanks the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of India's energy imports pass. Stability here is vital for Indian commercial shipping and the safety of Indian seafarers.
• **Counter-terrorism and Regional Balance:** Cooperation with Iran is crucial for managing the security vacuum in Afghanistan and countering regional religious extremism.
**Navigating the Relationship Amidst Geopolitical Conflicts:**
• **Upholding Strategic Autonomy:** India must resist external pressures to completely isolate Iran, maintaining a policy of 'de-hyphenation' by engaging independently with Iran, Israel, and Arab nations.
• **Leveraging Multilateral Forums:** Platforms like the SCO and BRICS, where both India and Iran are members, should be utilized to foster dialogue and secure regional trade corridors.
• **Securing Maritime Assets:** India should strengthen initiatives like 'Operation Sankalp' to protect its merchant vessels in the Gulf region while urging Iran to ensure freedom of navigation.
In conclusion, India’s engagement with Iran must balance pragmatic economic and connectivity interests with its commitments to global maritime norms and regional peace, showcasing a mature exercise of strategic autonomy.
Prelims practice questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz: 1. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. 2. It is flanked by Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. 3. It is a vital global chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's petroleum passes. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf (northwest) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (southeast). It is geographically flanked by Iran to the north and Oman (Musandam peninsula enclave) and the UAE to the south. It is one of the world's most strategically important choke points for oil transit.
Q2. With reference to the Chabahar Port, consider the following statements: 1. It is located in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman. 2. It is India's first foreign port project and serves as a gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). 3. It allows India to bypass Pakistan to access Afghanistan and Central Asia. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. All three statements are correct. Chabahar Port is located in the Sistan-Baluchestan province on Iran's southern coast (Gulf of Oman). It is a strategic project developed by India to secure a transit route to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and integrates with the INSTC.
Q3. Which of the following regional/international groupings count both India and Iran as permanent members? 1. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2. BRICS 3. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A. Both India and Iran are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) consists of Arab states of the Persian Gulf (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain); neither India nor Iran is a member of the GCC.
Revision flashcards
- Which crucial maritime chokepoint connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handling over 20% of global petroleum consumption? The Strait of Hormuz.
- What is the name of the Indian Navy's maritime security deployment initiated to ensure the safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf? Operation Sankalp.
- Which multi-modal transport network connects India, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia to facilitate freight movement, bypassing traditional longer sea routes? International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Which port in Iran is being developed by India to secure a strategic transit route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan? Chabahar Port (specifically the Shahid Beheshti terminal).
- Which Article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations, and foster respect for international law? Article 51 (under Directive Principles of State Policy).