Vantage | Two big issues that will show the way on India-Iran ties

Recently External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, visited Iran, engaging in crucial discussions with top officials. The focus of their talks included addressing the threat posed by Houthi attacks and navigating complex geopolitical issues.

The Houthi threat During the visit, Jaishankar expressed concerns about the Houthi threat, emphasizing the international community’s shared interest in resolving the issue. He highlighted recent incidents, including the drone attack on the MV Chem Pluto, a ship bound for India. Despite the United States attributing the attack to Iran, India refrained from contesting these claims, choosing instead to pledge a commitment to halt such attacks and punish the perpetrators. Jaishankar reinforced India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, characterising the attacks as acts of terrorism that require a resolution. However, one month after the MV Chem Pluto incident, India has yet to publicly identify the attackers, prompting speculation about its internal deliberations. “We have even seen some attacks in the vicinity of India. This is a matter of great concern to the international community. This fraught situation is not to the benefit of any party and this must be clearly recognised,” said Jaishankar. Diverging views in Tehran During discussions in Tehran, reports suggest that Jaishankar provided an assessment to Iranian officials, outlining India’s perspective on the Houthi threat. However, the views on the matter diverged, with Iran not entirely endorsing India’s position. The disagreements between India and Iran extend beyond the Red Sea tensions. Jaishankar’s meeting with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi touched upon two crucial issues: Israel’s actions in Gaza and India’s investments in Iran. Raisi expects India to play a greater role in influencing Israel to end the bombings in Gaza. Iran publicly stated its desire for India to contribute to ending the conflict, lifting the blockade and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. “America cannot stand by Israel with all its power and participate in the killing of 24,000 civilians in Gaza, including 1,000 women and more than 12,000 children, and at the same time invite others to exercise restraint, silence, and non-action,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. Chabahar port development The second demand from Iran pertains to the development of the Chabahar Port, a strategic gateway to Afghanistan. President Raisi expressed dissatisfaction with the progress and urged India to expedite the port’s development. The Chabahar Port holds immense strategic value for India, serving as an alternative route to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. While reports indicate progress in the Chabahar Port talks, Raisi’s demands present a challenge for India to balance its diplomatic relationships. The situation underscores the need for India to navigate its ties with Iran carefully, addressing concerns while maintaining its strategic autonomy. As India and Iran grapple with diverging views and expectations, the dynamics of their relationship are undergoing scrutiny. The successful resolution of issues such as the Chabahar Port development will be a litmus test for India’s strategic autonomy and its ability to uphold longstanding friendships amidst challenging geopolitical scenarios. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.