Explained: Reza Pahlavi’s return to Iran may open new possibilities for India, but proximity to America and Pakistan may also pose a major threat to India’s strategic interests – especially Chabahar Port. The question is this: friendship or betrayal? Iran’s exiled crown prince, who is calling himself the face of a “democratic Iran.” He has described India as his natural friend. Will Reza Pahlavi’s return to Iran really be good news for India? Or is there a danger hidden behind it, which can harm India’s strategic interests?
Is the promise of a democratic Iran the whole truth?
Reza Pahlavi claims that if he returns to power, Iran will be democratic and will build strong relations with India. He has also talked about the ancient cultural and civilizational relations between India and Iran. He says that India is a leader in the field of technology, energy and expertise and Iran wants to work together with India. But in international politics, history and strategy matter more than promises.
What warning does history give?
During the reign of Reza Pahlavi’s father Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran was not a close ally of India but of Pakistan. Iran had openly supported Pakistan in the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. Even on the Kashmir issue, Iran took the side of Pakistan instead of India.
Will Iran’s stance on Kashmir change again?
After 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran kept a relatively neutral stance on Kashmir. But if Pahlavi returns to power and old policies return, Iran may again adopt a pro-Pakistan stance. This could be a big diplomatic blow for India.
Why is Chabahar Port in danger?
For India, Chabahar Port is not just a trade project, but a strategic way to reach Afghanistan and Central Asia by bypassing Pakistan. If the Pahlavi regime moves too close to the US, US sanctions and pressure could affect the Chabahar project. This is the reason why Reza Pahlavi’s return can become a strategic risk for India.
Fear of US-Iran-Pakistan alliance
Experts believe that Pahlavi’s return can happen through Western-backed regime change. This could create a new equation between America-Iran-Pakistan, which could weaken India’s regional position.
Yet what can India gain?
This is just one aspect of the whole picture. Reza Pahlavi openly praises India’s IT, start-ups, renewable energy and technological prowess. If Iran actually pursues a balanced foreign policy, economic and technological cooperation between the two countries could increase.
Reza Pahlavi Opportunity or warning?
Reza Pahlavi’s return to Iran could be simultaneously an opportunity and a threat for India. While on one hand there is a possibility of technical and economic cooperation, on the other hand the pro-Pakistan policy, America’s interference and threat on Chabahar are a matter of serious concern for India.