Mentor’s Comment

In the midst of global flux, Ambassador Iraj Elahi’s reflections on Iran–India relations remind us that ancient civilisations have the potential to shape modern geopolitics in profound ways. This piece dissects his arguments, from the erosion of Western dominance to the rise of South-South cooperation, and places them in the larger canvas of India’s foreign policy and civilisational outreach. For UPSC aspirants, it offers deep insights into international relations, civilisation studies, and contemporary global order debates.

Introduction

The global order is in transition. Once dominated by Western powers, especially the United States, the world now witnesses a shift toward multipolarity. The unchecked use of force, sanctions, and manipulation of global institutions by the West has weakened its legitimacy. In this changing landscape, ancient civilisations such as India and Iran are being called upon to offer not only an alternative but a humane, participatory and just global order. Their shared values of spirituality, peace, and cultural resilience form the foundation of this partnership.

The Crisis of the Western-led Order

1. Declining dominance: The West, especially the U.S., is losing control over its classic instruments, global finance, technological monopoly, human rights discourse, and global media.
2. Crisis indicators: Blatant violations of international law, unchecked use of force, trade wars, and environmental destruction signal deep systemic decay.

Why the Global South is Rising

1. Civilisational awakening: Countries are resisting domination and discrimination by relying on local models and indigenous technology.
2. Strategic autonomy: Defence and security strengthening in Global South nations marks a push against dependence on external powers.
3. India and Iran as torchbearers: Both ancient civilisations embody resilience — from India’s Non-Aligned Movement to Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

Civilisational Wisdom and Shared Values

1. Cultural resilience: Despite military defeats, both India and Iran influenced their conquerors with governance, literature, and art.
2. Shared ethos: Belief in the triumph of good over evil, respect for diversity, spiritual growth, and commitment to peace.
3. Historical struggles: India’s anti-colonial resistance and Iran’s oil nationalisation highlight their fight against domination.

Palestine and the Question of Justice

1. Central issue: The Palestinian struggle is projected as the frontline battle of the Global South against Western hypocrisy.
2. Iran’s stance: Defence of Palestine and its right to nuclear energy are framed as defences of sovereignty and law.
3. Global South solidarity: Palestine becomes a metaphor for resistance against occupation and expansionism.

India–Iran in Multilateral and Regional Frameworks

1. BRICS potential: Seen as a counterweight to Western economic dominance, sanctions, and dollar hegemony.
2. INSTC: More than a trade corridor; envisioned as a civilisational bridge linking Eurasia, Africa, and South Asia, with stabilising effects on West Asia.
3. Opposition to U.S. role: Iran critiques American interventions in West Asia and South Asia for fuelling instability and terrorism.

Conclusion

As the world transitions into multipolarity, the call for civilisational powers such as India and Iran to lead is both symbolic and strategic. Their partnership, rooted in resilience, peace, and spiritual values, has the potential to redefine the Global South’s trajectory. By working through BRICS, INSTC, and other platforms, they can craft a participatory global order, one that replaces domination with dignity, and hierarchy with equality.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now