Indian Factor in Pak-Iran Relations

The anomaly in Pak-Iran relations started due to Afghanistan, and served as a stimulus for Indo-Iranian strategic convergence in the longer run. India’s ties with Iran cater to its ambition of circumventing Pakistan in its western backyard. India has been trying to bring Afghanistan into its sphere of influence through Iran, to undermine Pakistan’s interest. This has adversely impacted Pak-Iran ties and rejuvenation has become a formidable challenge. The paper argues that Pakistan and Iran have to resurrect mutual strategic relationship. Notwithstanding Chabahar and Gwadar projects, both need to recalibrate their bilateral ties with respect to regional dynamics, to explore the potential for entente, and to neutralize Indian factor in the relations. For Pakistan, Iran provides connectivity to Central Asian Republics (CARs). There is also a great potential for boosting energy trade, developing border security mechanism and a joint plan to address the issue of terrorism.