МЯГКАЯ СИЛА ИРАНА В ИНДИИ

Abstract

This article analyzes the most important component of the soft power of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India - the work of the Iranian leadership with the Shiite community of India. Tehran views the Indian Shiites as its allies, sharing not only religious and ideological values, but also capable of promoting its geopolitical priorities and, to a certain extent, influencing the internal political situation in India. The author notes the intensification of Iran’s efforts in this direction since the 2000s. Both New Delhi and Tehran view Iran’s relations with Indian Shiites in the broad context of Iranian-Indian relations. New Delhi, given its partnership with Tehran and seeing Shiites as a possible counterbalance to the Sunni majority associated with Islamabad, does not prevent Iran from developing relations with its co-religionists. Tehran, for its part, is positive about the fact that, in general, the religious rights of Shiites in India are not limited and they are not discriminated against. The author identifies All India Shia Personal Law Board, Anjuman-e Haideri and All India Shia Husaini Fund as the main Shiite organizations in India with which Iran works. The most important conductor of Iranian influence is the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust, which combines educational and charitable activities with political propaganda. The author believes that in the broad context of the development of relations between Delhi and Tehran, it is in the interests of Delhi to maintain patriotic sentiments among Indian Shiites, while preventing the strengthening of radical sentiments in their communities. For its part, Tehran is interested in further strengthening ties with the Muslim community in India and, above all, with the Shiite minority, which allows Iranian political and business circles to strengthen ties with Shiite business structures and foreign policy institutions.