India–Iran Joint Issue

India–Iran Relations: A Historic Bond of Friendship and Trade

A Relationship Rooted in History

The India–Iran relationship spans millennia, shaped by shared history, culture, and traditions. Until 1947, both nations shared a common border and continue to share deep linguistic and cultural ties. Diplomatic relations were formally established on March 15, 1950. Today, India maintains an Embassy in Tehran and Consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahedan, while Iran has Cultural Centres in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

Diplomatic and Cultural Cooperation

Both countries engage through regular bilateral consultative mechanisms to discuss political, regional, and economic issues. The Indian Cultural Centre in Tehran, inaugurated in 2013, actively promotes Indian culture through exhibitions, festivals, and yoga events. The 3rd International Day of Yoga (2017) witnessed the participation of over 500 Iranians. The Indian Embassy also publishes a bi-monthly magazine titled “Aina-e-Hind” (Mirror of India), which showcases India’s rich culture and achievements to the Iranian public.

Economic and Trade Ties

Economic and commercial exchanges form a vital pillar of India–Iran relations. The bilateral trade in 2016–17 amounted to USD 12.89 billion, largely driven by India’s import of Iranian crude oil. India imported around USD 10.5 billion worth of goods and exported USD 2.4 billion worth of commodities.
Major Indian exports to Iran include rice, tea, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, electrical machinery, and chemicals.
Imports from Iran include petroleum, fertilizers, fruits, nuts, pearls, and glassware.

Commemorative Joint Issue: Trade and Commerce Connectivity

To celebrate the longstanding bond between India and Iran, the Department of Posts issued a Joint Commemorative Stamp themed “Trade and Commerce Connectivity.” The design features Deendayal Port (Kandla), India and Shahid Beheshti Port (Chabahar), Iran, symbolizing the maritime cooperation between the two nations.
The miniature sheet also depicts the Ashokan Pillar with Lion Capital (India) and the Achaemenid Griffin (Iran), representing the shared architectural and civilizational heritage.

Deendayal Port – Kandla, Gujarat

Deendayal Port, located in Kutch District of Gujarat, is a natural deep seaport on the Gulf of Kutch. Its journey began in 1931 with the construction of an RCC Jetty by Maharao Khengarji. Following the partition of India, Kandla became the chief seaport serving western India after the loss of Karachi Port.
In 2007–08, Deendayal Port was ranked India’s No. 1 port, a position it has largely retained since then. On March 31, 2016, it made history by handling 100 million tons of cargo in a single year, becoming the first major Indian port to achieve this milestone. Strategically located, it serves as a crucial maritime gateway connecting India’s trade to the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Shahid Beheshti Port – Chabahar, Iran

Located on Iran’s southeastern coast in the Sistan–Baluchistan Province, Chabahar Port opens into the Oman Sea, outside the Persian Gulf, offering vital access to international waters.
It lies approximately 550 nautical miles from Kandla and 768 nautical miles from Mumbai. The port is of immense strategic and commercial significance as it provides India an alternative route to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, and connects to Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.

India is partnering with Iran in the development of Phase I of the Shahid Beheshti Port, under a USD 85 million investment and USD 150 million credit line. The port’s current capacity is 2.5 million tons per year and spans 240 hectares, with plans to develop one container terminal and one multipurpose terminal.

The adjoining Shahid Kalantari Port, covering 80 hectares, handles smaller ships with a capacity of 70–75,000 TEU per annum. Together, these facilities form the cornerstone of India–Iran maritime cooperation and trade expansion.

Conclusion

The India–Iran partnership stands as a testament to shared history, cultural affinity, and economic collaboration. The joint postal issue featuring Deendayal Port and Chabahar Port not only celebrates the enduring friendship between the two nations but also highlights their vision for enhanced regional connectivity and prosperity.