What is the historical connection between India and Iran, and how do they cooperate in modern times?
India and Iran have shared close ties since the Bronze Age through trade and cultural exchanges via land routes passing through present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. These routes became part of the Silk Route. Connections exist in language, literature, art, architecture, and food. The Avesta, ancient sacred text of Zoroastrianism, has parallels with India's Ṛigveda. The Persian language was used as the court language by the Mughals. Parsis of India are a living link with ancient Persian culture. In modern times, they cooperate in trade, energy, and transport. India is helping develop Chabahar Port, which gives India better access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.