Main Drivers of Safavid-Mughal Relations

Safavid Iran’s relations with the Mughal Empire constitute one of the most volatile epochs in Iran-India foreign relations. An important element bearing upon the calibration of Iran’s and India’s foreign relations was their common enemy, i.e. Sheibani Uzbeks which were deemed as a common threat on the borders of Iran and India. On the other hand, Ottomans extensive activities on Iran’s western borders drove the Safavid Empire to seek amicable relations with the Mughal Empire in order to maintain peace to the east. In addition to political drivers of relations, historical relations between Iran and India and ample cultural commonalities wove Safavid kings and Mughal rulers ever closer. Like other bilateral ties, Safavid-Mughal relations had its share of tension; local Shiite rulers in Dakan were always supported by the Safavid Empire and Mughal rulers were opposed to the expansion of relations between Indian local dynasties and Iran. Although the Safavid attached great importance to local rulers in Dakan, the most important factor that marred Safavid-Mughal relations was Qandehar which led to several military encounters. The current research draws upon historical method to identify and explain the main drivers of Safavid-Mughal relations.