The Parsi and Irani Zoroastrian community in the nation has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in Iran, following Israel’s continued airstrikes on key nuclear facilities in Iran. The strike, described by Israel as a “pre-emptive military action” against Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions, has stirred anxiety among community members that share deep-rooted ties with Iran – formerly Persia in terms of faith, ancestry and family. With nearly 20,000 Zoroastrians still living there, mainly in Tehran, Yazd and Kerman, the Indian Zoroastrian community is increasingly concerned for their survival and wellbeing.

Iran, the historical homeland of Zoroastrians, holds immense religious and cultural significance for Parsi / Irani Zoroastrians, many of whom migrated to India centuries ago to escape religious persecution following the Arab conquest. Today, Iran remains a spiritual nucleus for Zoroastrians worldwide, housing many of its sacred sites, including Takht-e Soleyman, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In a news report, eminent author and Zoroastrian scholar, Firoza Mistree expressed deep concern about the potential damage to these sites, especially as Iran is home to around 55 fully functional fire temples and six shrines linked to the last Zoroastrian kings. To community members, these aren’t simply relics of the past but living symbols of our faith, very much in use even today. She added that though Parsis in India have long settled on the subcontinent, Iran continues to be revered as a holy land as that is the birthplace of our religion. Viraf Mehta, BPP Chairperson, echoed the growing concern within the community, stating that while the full extent of damage to Zoroastrian places of worship in Iran remains unclear, the situation is deeply distressing. He affirmed that BPP would support Iranian Zoroastrians seeking refuge in Mumbai, subject to government approval, underscoring the community’s enduring commitment to caring for its own.

India and Iran share a timeless tapestry of cultural and civilisational bonds, a rich and multifaceted relationship that dates back thousands of years. Long before the advent of modern diplomacy, these two ancient civilisations were closely linked through trade, migration, art, language and culture – ties that continue to influence both nations even today.

The Persian language, for instance, played a pivotal role in shaping Indian linguistic and literary traditions. For nearly six centuries, Persian served as the official language of the Mughal courts and several regional kingdoms across India. It heavily influenced the development of Urdu and left a lasting impact on Indian poetry and prose, with Persian literary texts still studied in Indian universities.

Trade was another cornerstone of Indo-Iranian ties. For centuries, merchants from both regions exchanged spices, textiles, and gems via ancient land and maritime routes, with the Silk Road and Persian Gulf ports acting as crucial conduits. Persian influence is also visible in India’s architectural legacy. Mughal-era monuments, including aspects of the Taj Mahal, bear hallmarks of Persian design – ornate domes, symmetrical gardens, and intricate tilework all reflect this shared aesthetic heritage.

Migration further strengthened ties between the two lands. From the 8^th to 10^th centuries, Zoroastrians fleeing persecution in Persia sought refuge in India, going on to flourish as the Parsi community. Their contributions, particularly in Mumbai’s industrial and cultural development, remain invaluable. Cultural exchange continues in music and cuisine. Persian musical traditions influenced Indian classical styles, and Persian culinary flavours live on in popular Indian dishes like biryani, pulao and kebabs. Together, these historical threads form a vibrant tapestry of shared heritage, one that continues to shape the cultural and human connections between India and Iran to this day.

As the current crisis unfolds, we continue to monitor developments closely, united in prayer and concern for our extended community and cultural roots in Iran.