Unrest in Iran complicates India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy
India views the current Iranian government as a ‘predictable counterweight’ against Pakistan’s influence, an analyst says
The protesters were demanding an end to the reign of Islamic clerics in the country amid harsh economic conditions due partly to international sanctions against Tehran. Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened intervention to protect Iranian protesters, proclaiming on social media that “help is on its way”.
While the unrest has eased in recent days, thousands of heavily armed security forces have reportedly set up patrols and checkpoints across the country, especially at flashpoints such as the Grand Bazaar in Tehran.
On January 14, the Indian government advised its nationals to avoid travel to Iran until further notice.
India was monitoring the ongoing unrest in Iran with “quiet unease” due to the deep historical and strategic ties between New Delhi and Tehran, said Sriparna Pathak, a China studies and international relations professor at O.P. Jindal Global University’s Jindal School of International Affairs.