Explain the impact of the UN sanctions snapback on India’s connectivity projects with Iran. What strategic options can India explore to sustain its Eurasian outreach?

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Q4. Explain the impact of the UN sanctions snapback on India’s connectivity projects with Iran. What strategic options can India explore to sustain its Eurasian outreach? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question
The recent UN sanctions snapback on Iran (2025) directly affects India’s key projects like Chabahar and INSTC, making it a live issue for India’s foreign policy and Eurasian strategy.

Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the impact of sanctions on India’s connectivity projects with Iran and then outlining strategic options India can pursue to sustain its Eurasian outreach.

Structure of the Answer:
Introduction

Briefly highlight the importance of Iran for India’s Eurasian connectivity and the challenge posed by sanctions.

Body

• Impact on connectivity projects – Chabahar, INSTC, Afghanistan/Central Asia access, financial and shipping constraints.
• Strategic options – diplomacy with US/E3, Eurasian partnerships, diversified corridors, alternate payments, combining maritime–continental outreach.

Conclusion

End with a crisp forward-looking note on multi-vector strategies for autonomy and resilience.