THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: Iran and Its Foreign Relations

As a key player in the turbulent region Iran has remained in news for the last four decades. The ever-changing dynamics of the region along with the presence of large amount of hydrocarbon resources has dominated both Iran’s regional and foreign policy. Being targeted as the revolutionary power after becoming the first theocratic state in the Persian Gulf following a revolution (1979) and later labelled as one of the ‘axis of evil’ states Iran has managed to survive tough international sanctions. The thaw in the US-Iran relations after the signing of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015 and the subsequent easing of international sanctions paved way for Iran’s integration into international economy. It also led to its enhanced engagement with its neighbours with in the region extended neighbours in adjacent regions as well as with major powers such as Russia China and the US. The civilisational and cultural affinity between India and Iran paved the way for better relations between the two nations in the post nuclear deal scenario. Definitely for India energy and Chabahar Port remain at the core of its relations with Iran. With a cautious approach India has successfully been able to engage with Iran which also courted India’s “Look West Policy”. This book tries to assess Iran’s foreign policy in order to better assess its relations with India. This study is an attempt to understand these factors that are propelling the two nations closer and whether in a region susceptible to power plays how far India-Iran partnership can go. This book will be of interest to scholars of International Relations Iranian Politics and Iranian Foreign Policy providing useful insights for policymakers and scholars.