‘Can start a new chapter’: Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi hails ties with India- what he said

Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s exiled crown prince, on Friday spoke about India–Iran ties and future cooperation, while speaking about the ongoing protests against Iran’s clerical leadership.Speaking at a news conference, Pahlavi said India and Iran shared a relationship that went back decades. Recalling earlier ties, he said former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had visited Iran when he was very young. “I remember those days,” he said, adding that the connection between the two countries has long been cultural and historical.Pahalvi said the relationship has remained strong even in modern times. “In modern history, we have had a very, very good relationship,” he said. The exiled crown prince further said that a democratic Iran would naturally seek close ties with countries that respect sovereignty and liberty. “A democratic Iran is committed to having the best possible relationship with countries that share the same values,” he said.Pahlavi said India’s history and heritage made it a natural partner for deeper cooperation. “There is a rich history that I observe in India,” he said, adding that this could form the basis of a strong bond between the two nations.Pahalvi further described India as a leader in technology and expertise, particularly in renewable energy and information technology. “India is one of the leading countries when it comes to tech and expertise,” he said, expressing hope that experts from both sides could work closely in the future.He said a new phase of ties could begin once Iran was free. “Hopefully, once we are freed, we can start a new chapter,” he said.Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s last shah, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He has lived in exile since the fall of the monarchy. He has been a prominent voice calling for protests to continue in the country. Iran has been witnessing widespread anti-government protests for over two weeks. What began as demonstrations over economic distress has expanded into broader calls for political change and an end to the country’s theocratic system. Protests have spread across several cities despite heavy security deployment, internet restrictions and mass arrests.