NatStrat and GPTT on Strengthening India-Iran Bilateral Relations

NatStrat, New Delhi and the Governance and Policy Think Tank, Tehran successfully convened a joint webinar titled "Challenges and Opportunities in the India-Iran Bilateral Relations" on September 10, 2024. The event brought together leading experts, scholars, and policymakers from both India and Iran to discuss critical geopolitical trends, evolving dynamics in West Asia, and significant aspects of India-Iran bilateral ties.

Both think tanks affirmed their commitment to deepening dialogue, promoting mutual understanding, and fostering cooperation between India and Iran, especially in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region. The discussion emphasized the importance of:

• Strengthening strategic, economic, and cultural ties to further enhance the intellectual diplomacy in addition to cultural diplomacy relations between India and Iran.
• Collaborating on critical sectors such as energy, trade, and connectivity, particularly focusing on the Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Working towards common regional security objectives, particularly addressing challenges like terrorism, extremism, and the impact of sanctions on both nations.
• Supporting multi-lateral cooperation and shared goals in the regional on different platforms.

The webinar concluded with a shared commitment to fostering ongoing dialogue and academic exchange on key areas of mutual interest, while continuing to explore new avenues for cooperation. NatStrat and GPTT will continue their partnership and aim to develop actionable insights to help policymakers in both nations make informed decisions that will benefit the bilateral relationship.