Embracing diversity: Shias and the Chabahar Port Agreement

In the heart of geopolitical chess, where every move holds profound implications, India has just orchestrated a masterstroke. On May 13, amidst a backdrop of shifting global dynamics, Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, sealed a ground-breaking 10-year pact with Iran. This deal, a culmination of meticulous planning and strategic foresight, catapults the port of Chabahar in Sistan, Baluchestan province, into the epicentre of India’s regional ambitions.

With an investment of approximately $120 million from Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL), supplemented by a credit infusion nearing $250 million, India has not merely inked a contract; it has unveiled a gateway to a new era of connectivity. This agreement is not just about infrastructure; it’s about threading together the fabric of economic growth and resilience across the vast expanse of Eurasia.

At its core, this deal isn’t just a transaction. It’s a bold assertion of India’s strategic autonomy and its emergence as a pivotal player in the global power matrix. By bolstering its connectivity to Central Asia, Afghanistan, South Caucasus, and beyond, India is not only securing its own economic interests but also positioning itself as a linchpin in the broader Eurasian tapestry.

However, the significance of this agreement extends far beyond economic dividends. In a world rife with geopolitical contestations and simmering tensions, India’s move in Chabahar resonates as a strategic counterweight. It offers India a crucial lever of influence, challenging the dominance of the China-Pakistan alliance and puncturing the aura of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Moreover, this initiative serves as a diplomatic coup, allowing India to chart its course independent of traditional roadblocks. By circumventing Pakistan and its historical penchant for obstructing India’s regional aspirations, New Delhi not only achieves connectivity but also undermines Beijing’s hegemonic designs in the region.

In essence, the Chabahar agreement isn’t merely about bricks and mortar; it’s about building bridges—bridges that span continents, cultures, and centuries-old rivalries. It signifies India’s embrace of its role as a pivotal actor in the new geopolitical order, one where connectivity, cooperation, and resilience reign supreme.

Amidst this forward-looking endeavour, we need to assess how the India-Iran relationship has evolved. In contrast, visits of Iranian Presidents Hassan Rouhani and Hashmi Rafsanjani to India offer a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of Indo-Iranian relations and shed light on the intricate interplay of geopolitics, diplomacy, and religious identity.

In April 1995, Hashmi Rafsanjani, as the first post-1979 Islamic Revolution President of Iran, embarked on a historic visit to India. His arrival, marked by a warm reception from then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, signalled a pivotal moment in bilateral ties. However, Rafsanjani’s trip was not without controversy, particularly in regions like Lucknow, where Shia protests underscored internal dissent within Iran over certain reforms.

Fast forward to February 2018, and Hassan Rouhani’s visit to India unfolds against a backdrop of shifting global dynamics and regional imperatives. Unlike his predecessor, Rouhani’s reception is more subdued, reflecting the nuances of contemporary Indo-Iranian relations. His appeal for unity among Muslims, delivered at Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid, resonates with the city’s rich history of communal harmony—a history that underscores the potential for cooperation amidst diversity.

Rouhani’s remarks, though underplayed by the media, carry profound significance, especially in the context of India’s evolving foreign policy calculus. His emphasis on unity transcends sectarian divides, echoing India’s ethos of pluralism and inclusivity. Moreover, Rouhani’s call for solidarity comes at a time when geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, underscore the imperative of regional stability and cooperation.

Rouhani’s focus on the Chabahar port agreement underscores the pivotal role of infrastructure development in fostering connectivity and economic growth—a theme that resonates with India’s aspirations for regional integration and development. As India navigates the complexities of its relationship with Iran, the lessons of history serve as a guidepost, reminding us of the transformative potential of engagement and dialogue in shaping a more interconnected and prosperous future.

In the midst of geopolitical manoeuvring and diplomatic overtures, a false narrative persists—one that alleges indifference on the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the Muslim population within India’s borders, juxtaposed against purported efforts for Muslims abroad. This narrative warrants scrutiny, especially in the context of the Chabahar port agreement and its potential impact on India’s Shia Muslim community.

Indeed, the Chabahar port deal isn’t just a transaction between nations; it holds profound implications for India’s Shia population, challenging prevailing misconceptions and underscoring the complexities of religious identity and geopolitics.

The historical backdrop of India’s Shia community reveals a narrative of resilience and cultural integration. Fleeing persecution under the Rashidun and Umayyad caliphates, Shia Muslims found sanctuary within India’s diverse tapestry of faiths. Over centuries, they became integral to the social and cultural fabric of the subcontinent, particularly in centres like Lucknow, where Shia culture thrived amidst the ethos of pluralism and tolerance.

Yet, despite their contributions to India’s rich tapestry of diversity, Shia Muslims have faced challenges, including discrimination and marginalisation. Sectarian tensions, particularly in regions like Kashmir, have underscored the complexities of religious identity within India’s socio-political landscape.

Enter the Chabahar port agreement—a transformative initiative that transcends mere economic and strategic interests. By enhancing connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and beyond, the agreement offers tangible benefits to India’s Shia population. It opens avenues for economic development, cultural exchange, and social empowerment, reaffirming their place within the national narrative.

Contrary to the false narrative surrounding Prime Minister Modi’s alleged neglect of India’s Muslim communities, the Chabahar agreement exemplifies a commitment to inclusive growth and regional stability. It challenges perceptions by prioritising the interests of marginalised groups, including Shia Muslims, and leveraging international partnerships for their benefit.

Moreover, the agreement underscores India’s role as a responsible global actor, balancing domestic imperatives with international engagements. It symbolises a departure from narrow narratives of identity politics towards a vision of pluralism and cooperation—a vision that encompasses the aspirations of all Indian citizens, regardless of creed or community.

The journey of India’s Shia community is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, perseverance, and cultural enrichment amidst the backdrop of historical persecution and marginalization. From seeking refuge from Sunni oppression to carving out a distinct identity within India’s diverse religious landscape, Shia Muslims have traversed a path marked by both challenges and triumphs.

Yet, the echoes of discrimination and marginalisation persist, particularly in regions like Kashmir, where the dominance of Wahhabi interpretations of Sunni Islam casts a shadow over Shia practices. The ban on Ashura Processions, a sacred ritual for Shia Muslims, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they continue to face in asserting their religious identity.

Amidst these trials, India emerges as a beacon of hope—a sanctuary where Shia Muslims find refuge and acceptance. The declaration of Muharram as a public holiday in several states, alongside the recognition of Ali’s birthday, stands as a testament to India’s commitment to religious pluralism and inclusivity.

In recent years, the Shia community has found its voice, carving out spaces for representation and advocacy. The establishment of the All India Shia Personal Law Board underscores their determination to assert their rights and traditions, distinct from those of the Sunni majority.

Indeed, the ideological differences between Shia and Sunni communities are profound, shaping their respective positions on social, religious, and political issues. While the Shia community’s support for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya may seem unconventional, it reflects their commitment to communal harmony and national unity.

Moreover, the remarkable achievements of Shia individuals, from billionaire entrepreneur Azim Premji to Bharat Ratna awardee Ustad Bismillah Khan, exemplify the community’s contributions to India’s socio-economic fabric.

In this context, the Chabahar port agreement between India and Iran emerges as a beacon of hope—a gateway to greater economic opportunities and regional connectivity. For India’s Shia community, it signifies more than just infrastructure development; it symbolises a reaffirmation of their place within the national narrative, a recognition of their contributions to India’s tapestry of diversity.

As we chart a course towards a more interconnected future, let us not forget the struggles and triumphs of India’s Shia community—a community that found solace and sanctuary in the embrace of a nation that celebrates diversity and pluralism. In the Chabahar port agreement, we see not just economic prospects but a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to inclusivity, where every voice finds resonance and every individual finds belonging.

The author is a practicing advocate. She writes articles on women’s rights, politics, and law. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.