Iran-India: Ancient Civilisations and New Horizons

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

In Context

• The world is undergoing a transformation marked by the dominance of the Western-led international order, particularly the US, which traditionally wielded global influence through control over financial systems, science, technology, and media. 
• This “crisis” was created through blatant violations of international law, trade wars, environmental destruction, and disregard for global institutions. 

Rise of the Global South and Ancient Civilizations

• The Global South, which comprises developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, is charting a new course based on local models, indigenous knowledge, and self-reliance in science, technology, defence, and security.
  • For example: ancient civilizations like India and Iran with deep histories of peace, cultural richness, and resistance to domination are poised to play a unique role in this shift by offering values of peace, spirituality, respect for diversity, and governance wisdom.
• Both India and Iran have historically influenced conquerors culturally and politically, and today they continue to uphold principles of sovereignty, justice, and dialogue.

Civilisational Contributions of India and Iran

• Shared civilisational values: Peace, spirituality, diversity, respect for nature, and triumph of good over evil.
• Cultural resilience: Even after conquests, both civilisations reshaped invaders through philosophy, art, and governance models.
• Modern history examples:
  • India: Anti-colonial struggle, Non-Aligned Movement.
  • Iran: Nationalisation of oil (1950s), Islamic Revolution (1979).

Contemporary Relevance

• Iran’s resilience: Despite sanctions, “economic terrorism” and external pressures, Iran has not surrendered its strategic autonomy.
• India’s independence: Faces geopolitical pressures but maintains a balanced foreign policy.
• Strategic synergy: Both nations collaborate through INSTC, energy partnerships, and cooperation in West Asia.

The Palestine Issue: A Litmus Test

• Palestine’s struggle is portrayed as the frontline of the Global South’s resistance to Western supremacy and hypocrisy.
• The Palestinian fight against occupation encapsulates the fight for the right to resist domination across the Global South.

The Emerging Multipolar World Order

• The current global order is evolving into a more multipolar system, where power is dispersed across multiple actors rather than held by a single hegemon.
• The Global South is no longer peripheral but central to shaping new diplomatic alignments, trade corridors, security frameworks, and governance reforms.
• Countries like China, India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia emerge as middle powers driving regional integration and global cooperation.
• This new order seeks participation, equality, justice, and respect for sovereignty rather than domination and superiority.

Way Forward

• Strengthen South-South Cooperation: Expand BRICS, SCO, and NAM with real financial and technological alternatives.
• Civilisational Diplomacy: India and Iran can lead a value-based order centred on peace, sustainability, and respect for diversity.
• Reform Multilateralism: Push for UN reforms, inclusive decision-making, and financial institutions that represent the Global South.
• Strategic Autonomy: Both nations must guard independence while deepening Eurasian and African linkages.
• Palestine Resolution: Supporting just and peaceful settlement will restore faith in international law.

Conclusion

• India and Iran, through their civilizational heritage and strategic partnerships, are positioned to lead the Global South toward a just, humane, and multipolar world order grounded in mutual respect, sovereignty, human dignity, and shared prosperity — offering an alternative to the declining unilateral dominance of the West.

Source: TH