Hyderabad, June 25 -- Throughout history, relations between India and Persia were marked by diplomatic, commercial, and cultural exchanges. The ties stretch back to ancient times and the cultural synthesis that emerged influenced Indian literature, architecture, arts, and sport. Although in recent times there have been occasions when the government of India and that of Iran have not seen eye to eye on certain issues, earlier the relationship was very cordial.

In 1950 the independent Republic of India established diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The move benefitted both countries in numerous ways. It saw the influx of thousands of Iranian students who came to the reputed universities in India to study different cour...