Iran and India: Challenges of Strategic Partnership.

The paper examines the features and potential of the emerging strategic partnership between India and Iran. The role of diplomacy in the energy and transport spheres in forming a belt of confidence in the Greater Middle East and Central Asia is discussed. It has been proved that one of the basic features of India's development--exceptional continuity--finds its expression in the balancing policy, particularly in South-West Asia. One of the key players in the region is Iran, which is under US sanctions. However, Iranian foreign policy has retained its commitment to the goals of the Islamic revolution and dominance in the region. In the past three years, India's policy towards Iran has shown a zigzag development. The paper focuses on the participation of India and Iran in the implementation of the international initiatives like the One Belt and One Road and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and the prospects for cooperation in the energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]