E-Paper
Over the years
India-Iran: Cordial relations were strained with Iran choosing to align with the West and India choosing Non-alignment.
During Cold War ( '47-'80)
India-Iran: Cordial relations were strained with Iran choosing to align with the West and India choosing Non-alignment.
Iran-US: Conflict began when Ayatollah Khomeni rose to power describing the US as a “nation of infidels.”
India-US: After India’s first nuclear test, the US resumed attempts to engage India.
Post Cold War (’90 onwards)
India-Iran: Convergence was seen on energy, Afghanistan, Central Asia. Efforts were made to improve ties.
Iran-US: Confrontation over Israel made US break all diplomatic links. In the US-Iraq war, Iran chose to remain neutral.
India-US: The fall of USSR and economic reforms improved bilateral ties. But these froze after Pokhran blasts. Relations improved later.
From 9/11 onwards
India-Iran: Both worked to contain Taliban. India’s friendship helped Iran deal with international isolation.
Iran-US: Clinton introduced “dual containment,” policy to isolate Iran. US banned trade.
India-US: India’s position on terrorism and its growing economic status got the US to recognise India as a regional power.
Between 2002 and 2005
India-Iran: Entered the next phase of ‘strategic partnership’. But this declined with Iran declaring its nuclear ambition.
Iran-US: Bush included Iran in the “axis of evil.” Relations worsened with Tehran’s nuclear plans.
India-US: Inspite of tense Indo- Pak relations, Indo-US relations remain cordial. NSSP launched.
From 2005 onwards
India-Iran: Relations worsened with India voting against Iran in Sept 2005. Iran saw this as a ‘stab in the back’.
Iran-US: US continues to assert that Iran is developing covert WMD. Iran vows not to surrender to "nuclear bullying”.
India-US: Joint statement promising aid to India’s civil nuclear programme and cooperation in hi-technology trade.
