Discuss the recent developments in Tehran-Islamabad relations. Should there be any cause of concern to India? (200 words)
Refer – The Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
Recent developments and its concerns
· To display its goodwill, Pakistan’s army chief paid an official visit to Tehran in last year. Such a visit had not taken place for 20 years.
· Recently, Iran’s foreign affairs minister paid an official visit to Islamabad in order to pacify the Pakistanis’ after Iranian President’s trip to India — the first since 2003.
· A trip from Iranian President to India and leasing of operational control of Chabahar port for 18 months to India symbolised the India-Iran rapprochement.
· But, it does not mean that Iran is willing to distance itself from Pakistan.
· This symbolised the resilience of Tehran-Islamabad relations and it may be a cause of concern for India.
· In fact, Iran seems to play one country against the other in order to maximise its gains in the context of sanctions which are badly affecting its economy.
· Such a strategy is facilitated by Pakistan’s attitude, which tries hard not to alienate Iran.
· The Iranians were responsive, partly because of what Pakistan’s army chief had to offer (cooperation on missile technology was discussed), partly because of their interest in joining the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by branching out the gas pipeline they have already built on the CPEC at Gwadar.
· Iran sees Chinese investments in Pakistan as an economic opportunity, whereas India makes a point not to take part in the BRI.
· While India conceived Chabahar as the best means to balance Gwadar, the Iranians want to connect both.
· Last but not least, Iran is not comfortable with India because of its strategic partnership with the US at a time when Donald Trump is prepared to restore the sanctions his predecessor had started to lift.
· Iran has disapproved of the Afghan policy of the new American administration that India has applauded.
· Similarly, Iran cannot take lightly the new India-Israel relations.
· After all, the country Tehran tries to relate to via CPEC is China and that may be why New Delhi finds it so difficult to deal with Iran.
