A Heartfelt Note from the Depths of History

Should we sacrifice a thousand-year friendship for a fleeting moment of gain? By an Iranian heart mindful and awake — a diplomat who has long strived to bring closer two ancient nations and lay the foundations of a strategic and lasting relationship — and who by the grace of God has now found the opportunity to serve more meaningfully among the good people of India and the Marathi community at the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai.

In politics, it is often said: “There are neither eternal friendships nor everlasting enmities; only interests remain.” Chanakya, the great Indian statesman who laid the foundations of political thought centuries ago, spoke these words with profound wisdom.

And I, as an Iranian who has read and understood his works, know well his warning:

“Be cautious of the friend of your enemy; he is a double-edged sword.”

Indeed, politics must be conscious and cautious.

And yet — something stirs uneasily in my heart.

Why?

Because when it comes to India and Iran, this is no longer merely “politics.”

Here we stand face to face with history, culture, language, mysticism, poetry, religion, and a shared human spirit.

How can one so lightly set aside this treasure — the memories, the books, the echoes of Persian verse in the Mughal courts of India, the teachings of Buddha woven into Persian literature, the deep mutual respect between two noble nations — all for the sake of a relationship built merely on temporary interests?

Is it worthy — for us, two ancient and noble peoples — to drift apart simply because of another country whose bond with India is founded on economic needs?

No. It is beneath the dignity of India. And it is beneath the dignity of Iran.

I am certain that deep within the cultural conscience of India too, today’s silence stirs with unease.

Never do I suggest that India should forsake its interests.

Rather, I say that India — the heir of a civilization nurtured by the Gita and the Upanishads — knows better than any newly risen power:

Some friendships are rooted in the very soil, in the blood, in memory — not in military agreements.

We Iranians, throughout history, have been India’s good neighbors.

We have drawn closer and closer through the poetry of Hafez, Saadi, Bidel, Tagore, and Iqbal;

 

We have come with adobe tablets, with script, with calligraphy;

 

We have come with the heart.

 

And now — if India’s friendship with our enemy seeks to shatter this bridge of a thousand years —

I have but one question:

Is this truly worthy of the great heart of the Indian people? Never. No fleeting interest deserves to sever such a deep and enduring bond.

 

I remain hopeful.

For the heart — unlike interests — does not rot.

 

I have always sought, and continue to strive, to know the Indians by their own voice — not by the voice of their enemies.

And you?

 

Hassan Mohseni Fard

Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran — Mumbai