TEHRAN – Tuesday marked an important milestone in the history of Iran-Indian relations as the two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut commemorated the occasion with a message shared on his X account.
“Today, we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Iran and the modern state of India. Of course, our shared history and cultural ties go back centuries, if not thousands, and wrap around our nations. These ties are of paramount importance for mutual growth and cooperation.
Iran and India’s relationship is rooted in centuries-shared history, cultural exchange and mutual respect. Modern diplomatic relations were officially established on March 15, 1950 and have since evolved into a multifaceted partnership that includes trade, energy and regional ties.
One of the most notable projects that symbolize this cooperation is the development of Chabahar port in southern Iran. This strategic port will serve as an important trade hub connecting India to Afghanistan and Central Asia, while bypassing Pakistan. It is also an important component of the international North and South Transport Corridor (INSC), which aims to strengthen trade links between Asia and Europe. India is investing in modernizing the port, including a 10-year operational agreement signed in 2024.
National partnerships are not without their difficulties, and there are no US sanctions imposed specifically on Iran. These sanctions could cause complications of financial transactions and investments and could affect the progress of joint ventures such as the Chabahar Port Project. The US is also reportedly poised to eliminate the sanctions exemption that allowed India to engage in Chabahar.
Indian authorities have said in the past that their bilateral relations have been shaped by their own strategic interests, independent of external influences.