Not many people go into such depth. People have a tendency to generalise everything and thus misinterprit the facts. In that sence, it is a very good responce from you. For a common Indian, Iran is just another Islamic country. But they do not take into account the differences Iran has with its own neighbours, the Saudis, the Iraqis, the Gulf countries and (what interests us the most) Pakistan. Political and cultural differences between Iran and Pakistan have always kept then going on different paths and having different views. Iran's record says that it has always supported India in many international forums, be it on Kashmir issue or Bangladesh war, US Security counsil seat. It has also been seeking a membership of SAARC, which Pakistan does not want for obvious reasons. Its is favour of India to have Iran within SAARC, and counter balance Pak influence. Iran has allowed only few foreign companies to exlpore its oil and gas reserves, and Indian companies (ONGC Videsh, Hinduja, RIL) are amongst them. People should take all this context into account before commenting and generalising everything.
