45 infrastructure plans remain a cornerstone of IndoIranian engagement. Beyond these considerations, India and Iran share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties that span centuries. Iran is often described as an “old friend” of India, having supported New Delhi in international forums over the years –most notably on the Kashmir issue, where Tehran blocked antiIndian initiatives at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and among various human rights bodies. In return, India has supported Iran’s integration into multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS. However, this relationship has come under strain in recent years. Under US pressure, India halted its imports of Iranian oil, and its reluctance to condemn Israeli strikes on Iran has generated disappointment in Tehran. Iran’s nuclear buildup has raised concern in New Delhi, particularly due to its implications for the regional balance of power vis-à-vis Pakistan. Indian officials have even suggested that New Delhi might tolerate an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, provided it does not result in the collapse of the Iranian state, which could destabilize the broader region. Iranian claims regarding delays in the Chabahar project and India’s exclusion from related ventures, such as the Zahedan railway line, reinforce the characterization of the relationship as one marked by a “strong past but fragile present.” The relationship between India and Israel has developed rapidly since the establishment of Photo: Shutterstock
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