New Delhi: The US-Israel joint military operation against Iran has escalated and raised global trade tensions across the world. It may be noted that India has trade relations with Iran and the military standoff could have a major impact on it. Notably, New Delhi and Tehran have cordial relations both the nations share centuries-old trade and cultural connections.
For decades, Iran has supplied crude oil to meet India’s energy needs. Despite American sanctions, India did not completely end trade relations with the Islamic country. Tehran imports essential items like medicines, rice, wheat, sugar, and cotton textiles from India. The country is a major buyer of Indian basmati rice. India also exports other products such as auto parts, engineering goods, tea, sugar, and medicines.
India’s has been a big importer of Iranian crude oil. Besides this, New Delhi also purchases dry fruits such as pistachios and dates, certain special chemicals, petrochemical products, and glassware from Iran. In 1950, both the countries established formal diplomatic relations. In 1974, then prime minister Indira Gandhi’s visit to Iran led to increase in bilateral trade.
Importantly, India and Iran trade in Rupee and Rial. Today, cooperation between the two nations continues to grow in several important sectors such as energy security, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and mining.
Also, India has made heavy investments in Iran’s Chabahar Port. The port is strategically very important as it is an important route for delivering goods to Central Asia and Afghanistan.
India an Iran have deep cultural ties. The Persian language has had a deep influence on ancient Indian literature and old administrative systems. Iran is credited for the spread of Sufism in the Indian subcontinent.