Tehran/New Delhi: Iran has moved to place itself as a key ally for India at a second of escalating commerce friction between New Delhi and Washington. The transfer comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a 50% tariff on chosen Indian items in retaliation for India’s buy of Russian oil. The measures have pushed U.S.-India tensions to their sharpest degree in years.
Iran’s response has been swift. In a direct outreach, Tehran has supplied New Delhi discounted oil provides, recent funding alternatives and expanded cooperation in high-value sectors. The proposal carries clear geopolitical undertones, providing India an financial lifeline that bypasses Washington’s leverage.
In an interview with English day by day The Pioneer, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Iraj Elahi, mentioned that platforms like BRICS give New Delhi the instruments to blunt the impression of U.S. tariffs. He instructed that commerce in native currencies may scale back reliance on the U.S. greenback and construct financial resilience.
He forged India and Iran as pure companions in what he referred to as an “Asian century”, urging a full revival of power commerce between the 2 nations.
Tehran’s message is calculated. India stopped importing Iranian crude in 2019 beneath strain from U.S. sanctions, however Elahi mentioned Iran is “absolutely prepared” to renew shipments at aggressive costs.
He described the connection as one in every of belief and historical past, highlighting that each nations maintained ties even throughout probably the most restrictive sanction durations.
The timing is critical. By extending this provide as Washington tightens commerce strain on India, Iran is brazenly difficult the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions.
Elahi dismissed Trump’s criticism of Indian firms partaking with Iran, calling it a worry tactic that not carries the identical weight. “The US can not wage financial struggle in opposition to your complete world,” he mentioned.
Past oil, Tehran is pitching India alternatives in manufacturing, expertise and strategic commerce, areas that might give each international locations a stronger footing within the World South.
Elahi’s closing message to Indian policymakers was unambiguous: Iran seeks deeper, extra open and long-term cooperation, with India as a central associate.
This alignment, if pursued, would take a look at Washington’s capability to include Iran’s affect and will reshape the stability of financial alliances in Asia.
For the USA, the Iran-India opening is a possible breach within the sanctions wall.