The Hindu Editorial Analysis
09 September 2025
Iran and India, ancient civilisations and new horizons
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 14)
Topic : GS 2 : International Relations
Context
Leveraging their civilisational wisdom, strategic autonomy, and collaborative partnership, Tehran and New Delhi can shape a new global order in a transforming world.
Introduction
The world is undergoing a profound transformation, described by some as a “time of transition” and by others as a crisis of the Western-led order. The global system, long dominated by Western powers, especially the U.S., faces serious challenges. Signs of this crisis include: violations of international law, unchecked use of force, trade wars, weakening of global institutions, media manipulation, and environmental destruction. Traditional tools of Western dominance — financial control, monopoly over science and technology, imposition of human rights standards, and media influence — are losing their effectiveness.
Ancient Civilisations and the Emerging Global South
- Global South Awakening
- Countries, especially in the Global South, are refusing to remain under domination and discrimination.
- Focus on local models, indigenous science & technology, and strengthened defence and security to chart a new developmental path.
- Historic Role of Ancient Civilisations
- Iran and India, among the world’s oldest civilisations, have historically shaped global culture.
- Both valued peace, waging war only in self-defence.
- Even after military defeat, their cultural influence reshaped conquerors, spreading knowledge in statecraft, governance, literature, philosophy, and art & architecture.
- Evolution and Shared Values
- Iran: Civilisational values adapted post-Islam.
- India: Enriched further by Islamic influence while retaining status as oldest continuous civilisation.
- Shared values: life as a gift, triumph of good over evil, respect for diversity, spiritual growth, inner purification.
- Modern Resilience and Leadership
- India: Anti-colonial struggle, leadership in Non-Aligned Movement, advocacy for Global South rights.
- Iran: Nationalised oil industry, resisted Western domination through Islamic Revolution.
- Both nations embody peace, spirituality, and respect for nature, guiding humanity against structural violence, environmental crises, and social collapse.
- Challenges and Perseverance
- Iran: Endured economic terrorism, cognitive warfare, and external interference without yielding.
- India: Faced unjust pressures and hostile measures, yet preserved identity and independence.
- Path Forward for the Global South
- Iran and India can lead by:
- Strengthening South-South cooperation
- Active participation in BRICS and multilateral frameworks
- Upholding human and moral principles
- Advancing projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
- Goal: Build a just, humane, and equitable global order
- Iran and India can lead by:
The Palestine issue
- Central Struggle: Palestine
- At the heart of a just global order lies the struggle for Palestine, the foremost concern of the Global South.
- Exposes the hypocrisy, supremacism, and brutality of the West.
- The Palestinian people, standing against occupation and expansionism, are defending the rights of all Global South nations to resist domination.
- Iran’s Role in Development and Diplomacy
- Defence of peaceful nuclear energy is also a defence of the South’s right to development.
- Acts as a stronghold for international law, diplomacy, and dialogue.
- Counters those claiming to uphold human rights and democracy, yet constantly violate law and order.
- Multilateral and Transformative Initiatives
- BRICS: Challenges Western economic dominance; offers an independent, participatory, and democratic future amid sanctions and trade wars.
- INSTC Corridor: More than a trade route; serves as a civilisational bridge, linking Eurasia, the Caucasus, India, and Africa, while promoting stability in West Asia.
U.S. Interventions and the Emerging Role of Ancient Civilisations
- West Asia
- The U.S. and its allies have sought to prevent indigenous regional security.
- Support for the Zionist regime has fueled instability in: Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.
- Iran, as the region’s oldest civilisation, opposes such interventions and upholds sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- South Asia
- The U.S. has played a role in creating and expanding terrorist groups.
- Interventions occur under the pretext of fighting terrorism, serving strategic U.S. interests.
- Power has sometimes been returned to the very terrorist groups when it aligned with U.S. agendas.
- Emerging Global Dynamics
- The world is at a historic turning point; emerging powers and ancient civilisations are redefining global roles.
- Iran and India, through civilisational wisdom, strategic independence, and constructive partnership, can offer a new model of global order.
- Vision for a Just World Order
- Order based on justice, shared interests, and respect for human dignity.
- Prioritizes participation over domination and equality over superiority.
- Nations become builders of their own destiny, not tools of the powerful.
- Iran and India are best positioned to lead humanity toward this vision.
Conclusion
We stand at a historic crossroads. The world is transforming, as emerging powers and ancient civilisations redefine their influence. Through civilisational wisdom, strategic independence, and constructive collaboration, Iran and India can offer a new global model—an order grounded in justice, shared interests, and respect for human dignity. This vision is one of participation over domination, equality over superiority, and self-determination over subjugation. Nations become architects of their own future, and who better than ancient civilisations like Iran and India to lead humanity toward this path.