Indian Ambassador Challenges Western Narratives: Discover the Real Iran

In an exclusive interview with the Times of Tehran, the Indian ambassador to Iran, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, highlighted the need for greater efforts to reshape the “distorted image” of Iran that has been formed by Western media. The ambassador underscored the importance of recognizing Iran as a safe, hospitable, and culturally rich nation with deep historical ties to India.

Shresth encouraged increased travel, cultural exchanges, and media engagement, asserting that closer people-to-people connections can help Indians rediscover Iran’s warmth and its shared civilizational heritage with India. Below are key excerpts from the enlightening interview:

Current Indian Presence in Iran

When asked about the number of Indians and people of Indian origin residing in Iran, Ambassador Shresth provided some insightful statistics:

• Approximately 150 members of the Sikh community have lived in Iran for generations, primarily as traders and businessmen.
• About 120 Indian women have married Iranian men who studied in India and settled in Iran.
• In total, there are around 300 permanent Indian residents in Iran.

Additionally, there are roughly 10,000 Indians living temporarily in Iran, which includes:

• Approximately 6,000 Shia students studying theology at Al-Mustafa University in Qom and Mashhad.
• About 2,000–2,500 medical students enrolled in universities across Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Arak, and Urmia.
• Between 1,500–2,000 Indian workers engaged in various industries such as oil refineries, steel, and ship maintenance.

This makes the Indian community one of the largest foreign communities in Iran, following the Afghan and Iraqi populations.

Indian Tourism to Iran

The ambassador was also asked about the number of Indian visitors to Iran and opportunities for expanding mutual tourism:

• Most Indian visitors come to Iran for religious purposes, with about 20,000 Indian pilgrims visiting Qom and Mashhad annually.
• However, non-religious tourists from India are only around 1,000.

Shresth expressed optimism about the potential for increasing these numbers. Currently, the Iranian embassy issues about 10,000 visas annually, primarily for business travelers, as business visas tend to be more expensive. He noted that many Iranian tourists typically visit popular Indian destinations such as Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Goa, and Hyderabad, but there is a desire to broaden interest in other regions.

Recently, a joint tourism promotion event was held with the Tehran Chamber of Commerce to connect Indian and Iranian travel agencies.

Perceptions of Iran in India

The ambassador addressed how ordinary Indians perceive Iran, particularly in light of negative portrayals by Western media:

“Unfortunately, the image of Iran in the minds of many Indians has been shaped by Western media, which often depict the country as unsafe or unstable. This is far from the truth. Indians who visit Iran always express how warmly they were welcomed and how safe they felt. Iranian hospitality is legendary and among the best in the world. However, not enough people in India know this.”

Strategies for Positive Change

When asked about steps Iran can take to alter its negative perception and attract more Indian travelers, Shresth suggested:

• Implementing active tourism campaigns similar to those used by countries like Thailand, which attracted 2.8 million Indians last year.
• Inviting Indian travel influencers, particularly women, to visit Iran and share their experiences.

He believes that showcasing Iran’s safety, friendliness, and fascinating culture through social media could significantly alter misconceptions and encourage more visitors.

Message to Iranian Visitors

Looking ahead, Shresth conveyed a message to potential Iranian visitors to India:

“What has happened in the last 75–80 years is quite interesting. Before 1947, India and Iran shared a common border and were direct neighbors, familiar with each other’s cultures. However, after India’s partition, this connection faded.”

He emphasized that visitors from Iran have much to learn about India, noting that India houses nearly half a million Persian manuscripts—far more than are preserved in Iran. He also highlighted the architectural connection of the Taj Mahal, built by an Iranian architect for an Iranian princess, which many visitors may not know.

Shresth encouraged Iranian tourists to explore lesser-known regions of India, such as Tamil Nadu, while expressing hope for greater mutual discovery between both nations.

Cultural Celebrations

Lastly, Shresth addressed the potential of celebrating major Iranian festivals in India:

“Nowruz is already celebrated widely in India, especially in Kashmir. However, festivals like Charshanbe Suri and Yalda Night are not yet well known. I believe that the Iranian Embassy in Delhi and its consulates could organize such celebrations to showcase Iran’s beautiful traditions.”

In conclusion, he stated, “There is a Persian saying: ‘Dosti deraz, rah kutah’—when friendship is deep, the road between us is short. This is true for India and Iran. Our histories, languages, and cultures are intertwined. Through greater tourism, education, and cultural exchange, we can ensure that this ancient friendship continues to flourish in the modern era.”