India-Iran ties span culture, economics and geopolitics. Iran is one of India’s most important neighbours and needs to be seen on its own, not through a Western prism. Gateway House has extensive research and reporting on Iran, ranging from India-Iran historical ties, Iran’s role in India’s energy security and the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran and on India – to better understand this crucial nation.
Javad Zarif’s India outreach
By Amit Bhandari, Fellow, Energy & Environment Studies, Gateway House
Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif was in Mumbai on 16-17 January 2020, just days after the Iran-U.S. showdown in Iraq and the assassinati0n of Iran’s top general. Zarif explained Iran’s dilemma to audiences in India and was hoping for public support. But the fact is that the January tensions are not Iran’s problem alone; it’s a global game-changer that has propelled the formation of new alliances Read more
Sanctions, newest tool of warfare
By Ambika Khanna, Senior Researcher, International Law Studies, Gateway House
Sanctions, a form of imposing control and pressure, traditionally focused on countering nuclear proliferation and trade-related disputes. Recently countries have expanded their scope and impact by using them as potent tool of warfare Read more
A post-Soleimani energy world
By Amit Bhandari, Fellow, Energy & Environment Studies Programme, Gateway House
The Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, held in Abu Dhabi on 10-12 January 2020, had the top businesses and analysts of the global energy industry. It was also part of a larger event, the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which aims to be a global platform for sustainability in various industries Read more
Conflict with Iran primes U.S. economy
By Cdr Amrut Godbole, Fellow, Indian Navy Studies Programme, Gateway House
Oil prices, arms exports and conflict are inter related especially when it comes to the U.S. Its arms industry grows when high prices and conflicts coincide. This has kept West Asia on a perennial geopolitical boil. This infographic charts the highs and lows of U.S. arms sales, especially in the light of conflicts centred around West Asia Read more
Bombay’s early Baha’is
By Sifra Lentin, Fellow, Bombay History Studies Programme, Gateway House
India has the largest number of Baha’is in the world today, followers of the world’s newest religion, which was founded in 19th-century Persia. Persecuted in their own country, they came to Bombay, which was already home to many Iranians, to purvey the message of their faith Read more
The Persian merchants of Bombay
By Sifra Lentin, Fellow, Bombay History Studies Programme, Gateway House
Bombay’s trade with the Persian Empire grew rapidly in the 19th century because of regular steamship services between the city and prominent Iranian ports such as Bushire. The wealthy and public-spirited Persian merchants, who settled in Bombay, endowed their community with a religious and social infrastructure, in use even today Read more
Iran @ 40: tensions underlie stability
By Nader Fekri, Visiting Professor of Politics, University of Mumbai
The Islamic Republic of Iran, which turns 40 in April 2019, has come a long way from the Persia of the past. Some changes in the last four decades have been beneficial, and while people do support the regime, they are disaffected with its handling of the economy and foreign affairs Read more
Trump’s Iran sanctions hit India
By Amit Bhandari, Fellow, Energy & Environment Studies Programme, Gateway House & Kunal Kulkarni, Former Senior Researcher, Gateway House
India may end up being the unintended victim of renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran. It will push up the price of oil and cost India billions of dollars annually Read more
How Iranians see Trump’s hit to the Iran deal
By Kourosh Ziabari, Journalist
Scrapping the JCPOA will badly bruise Iran’s economy, citizens and foreign relations; it will have an impact on the U.S.’ allies too Read more
India’s Iran opportunity
By Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Manipal University & Manjeet Kripalani, Co-founder & Executive Director, Gateway House
Iran has emerged on to the world stage after 36 years of isolation. India must double up its diplomacy and commercial engagement with Iran, and move boldly beyond the curtain of ‘civilisational’ ties. Time to put that natural advantage to good commercial use through a vigorous private sector engagement with Tehran. Read more
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