• UGI USER
  • May 26, 2024
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“THE DEATH OF IRAN’S PRESIDENT EBRAHIM RAISI”

Syllabus:

  • GS-2- India and bilateral relations with Iran , Gulf countries and world Peace.

Focus :

  • The focus of the article is the impact of the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and other key officials in a helicopter crash on May 19, amidst regional tensions and internal protests. It examines Raisi’s role, the continuity of Iran’s foreign policy, succession challenges, and the implications for India-Iran relations, particularly regarding the Chabahar port project.
Source-IE

Key Events

Helicopter Crash

  • On May 19, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, and six others died in a helicopter crash.
  • The crash occurred amid high regional tensions and ongoing conflicts.

Timing and Context

  • The accident came shortly after Iran’s direct attack on Israel in April.
  • The Gaza war continues, with Iran supporting Hamas and other militants.
  • Iran faces domestic protests and political instability.

Importance of Ebrahim Raisi

Role in Iran’s Government

  • Iran’s president manages daily government affairs.
  • Critical policies are set by the Supreme Leader, who holds more power.

Raisi’s Alignment with the Establishment

  • Unlike some previous presidents, Raisi aligned closely with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
  • He shifted Iran’s focus from Western dialogue to closer ties with Russia and China.
  • His policies included supporting non-state actors and expanding the nuclear program.

Aggressive Policies

  • Iran adopted a more aggressive stance towards Israel under Raisi.
  • The April 14 attack exemplified this shift in policy.
India -Iran Relation :

1.   Historical and Cultural Ties:

  • Long-standing historical and cultural connections.
  • Mutual understanding fostered over centuries.

2.   Strategic and Economic Projects:

  • Collaboration on Chabahar Port for regional connectivity.
  • Enhances India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

3.   Energy Partnership:

  • Iran as a key crude oil supplier to India.

4.   Geopolitical Balancing:

  • Careful navigation of relations with Iran, US, and Israel.
  • Balancing strategic interests with global and regional powers.

5.  Regional Security Cooperation:

  • Shared concerns about stability in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
  • Cooperation on counterterrorism and regional security issues.

Impact on Iran’s Policies

Continuity of Foreign Policy

  • Raisi’s death is not expected to change Iran’s foreign policy significantly.
  • Supreme Leader Khamenei emphasized continuity and stability.

Focus on Domestic Transition

  • The regime will focus on electing a new president.
  • Attention will also be on finding Khamenei’s successor.

Past Losses of Key Figures

  • Iran has previously lost influential figures like Qassem Soleimani and Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.
  • These losses have not disrupted the national project significantly.

Succession Challenges

  • Electing a New President
  • Iran must quickly elect a new president amid ongoing tensions and protests.

Identifying Khamenei’s Successor

  • Potential successors like Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi have died.
  • Raisi was seen as a potential successor, leaving a void in leadership.

Impact on India-Iran Relations

Historical Relationship

  • India has maintained a strong relationship with Iran since 1979.
  • Trade ties have suffered due to U.S. sanctions, but the partnership remains strong.

Chabahar Port Project

  • India has invested millions in the Chabahar port project.
  • The project is a symbol of India-Iran cooperation.

Recent Developments

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended Raisi’s inauguration and met Iranian leaders in January.
  • India signed a long-term agreement to develop and operate a terminal at Chabahar.

India’s Diplomatic Approach

  • India has taken a neutral stance in the West Asian crisis.
  • Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited Tehran to offer condolences, showing India’s commitment to maintaining strong ties.

Source:The Hindu

Associated Article :

https://universalinstitutions.com/heres-looking-at-you-rbi/

Mains Practice Question :

GS-2

“Discuss the impact of the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi on regional geopolitics and the potential implications for India-Iran relations. Evaluate the role of Iran’s presidency within its theocratic system and how the continuity of foreign policy might be ensured despite such high-profile losses”. (250 words)