India and Iran have historically enjoyed strong economic ties.
New Delhi:
As Masoud Pezeshkian emerges victorious in Iran’s presidential elections, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili, his presidency promises a shift towards more pragmatic and reformist policies. But how will Pezeshkian’s presidency reshape Iran-India relations?
Pezeshkian, an experienced lawmaker and heart surgeon, has long supported domestic and international reforms in Iran. His victory is seen as a call for change as it follows widespread dissatisfaction with the hard-line policies of his predecessors. But the dynamics of Iranian politics, where hardliners still control the majority and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei retains ultimate authority, will test Pezeshkian’s ability to carry out his vision.
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“Today, we are holding the second round of presidential elections. More than 700 voting centers are accepting the vote of Iranians. We hope that tomorrow morning we will have a new president. There will be no changes in Iranian foreign and domestic policy. Both speeches emphasize the strengthening Iranian power internally and externally,” said Iran’s ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi.
India-Iran ties
India and Iran have historically enjoyed strong economic ties. Under Pezeshkian’s presidency, these ties are expected to deepen.
The focus will especially be on the strategic Chabahar Port, a project for which India has already committed heavy investments. It is an important transit point for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. India has pledged $120 million for the development of the Shahid-Beheshti port terminal and offered a $250 million line of credit for infrastructure projects in Iran. Experts believe that it is unlikely that Iran’s overall foreign policy change who takes over next; The modus operandi and details may, however, be different.
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Iran is one of India’s main sources of crude oil. With Iran eyeing an increase in oil exports in the context of ongoing Western sanctions, India could be looking for a reliable and possibly cheaper source of crude oil.
The Pezeshkian approach to regional security will be closely watched in New Delhi. His stance related to maintaining the “Axis of Resistance” against Israel and strategic regional support for forces against what he calls the “Zionist regime” could continue to impact India’s tightrope diplomacy in the region.
Another platform for close cooperation between India and Iran is the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transport route that connects India to Russia via Iran. This corridor enhances connectivity in terms of trade and bilateral ties for regional stability.
Elections in Iran
The presidential elections in Iran take place against the backdrop of the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. The polls recorded the lowest voter turnout since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with just 39.92 percent of voters eligible.
The Iranian government had anticipated, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei predicted, greater participation. State television showed modest queues at voting centers, while online videos showed empty ballot boxes and light traffic in some locations in the capital Tehran, reportedly with a heavy security presence.
The elections were held amid heightened regional tensions. In April, for example, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel amid the latter’s ongoing aggression in Gaza. This was followed by an intensification of attacks by militant groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, both armed by Tehran.
Although Ayatollah Khamenei has the last word in matters of state, it remains to be seen whether the Middle Eastern nation will adopt a change in its foreign policy in light of recent events.
This story originally appeared on Ndtv.com read the full story
