India and Iraq: Interests and Interactions during the British Period

Abstract

India and Iraq had relations since ancient era. Both claim ‘civilizational connect’ with Iraq corresponding with ancient Mesopotamian civilization and India to the Indus valley civilization. There is ample evidence of trade between the two regions. The entry of the Europeans in the Indian Ocean region and the use of Red Sea, Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean for trade of goods and people resulted in the British control over India and Iraq. Much of Iraq’s administrative models were based on those developed by the British in India and Indian men were used in war fought in Iraq. The paper explores India’s relations with Iraq with specific focus during the British rule in India.