Draft:Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai

The Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai represents the Islamic Republic of Iran's Government in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. It has a rich history dating back to the 19th century functioning as one of Iran's earliest Diplomatic Missions abroad. It played a significant role in fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India. The current Acting Consul General is Dr. Davoud Rezaei Eskandari incumbent since February 15, 2024.

Establishment and Early Years
During the mid-eighteenth century, relations between Persia and India intensified due to the growing influence of the East India Company (EIC). In 1798, Mahdi Ali Khan Bahadur Jang was appointed as British EIC's representative in Persia with the task of enhancing trade, particularly in woolen goods.

John Malcolm's 1800 mission to Persia aimed to formalize relations between British EIC India and Qajar Persia, resulting in treaties that opened Persian ports to British trade and closed them to the French.

In 1802, Hajji Khalil Khan Qazvini arrived in Bombay as the Persian envoy to India, receiving a warm welcome despite hardships during his journey. Unfortunately, a month later, a deadly confrontation occurred between his Persian bodyguards and EIC guards, resulting in Hajji Khalil's death.

British officials faced significant anxiety over the incident's impact on Anglo-Persian relations, leading to investigations and trials of the EIC guards involved. Despite efforts to calm tensions, most of the Persian retinue returned to Persia, while Agha Husayn, Hajji Khalil Khan's nephew, remained in Bombay to lead the remaining Persian mission. The next Persian envoy appointed to British India was Muhammad Nabi Khan Shirazi, Hajji Khalil's brother-in-law. As well as being a poet and later local ruler of Fars, the new envoy's achievements also included surviving much longer than his predecessor.

In 1830, the combined trade between the two nations was valued at Rs. 350,000. By 1859, the yearly trade in horses alone had surged to Rs. 2,625,000. As a result, by 1865, the official count of Iranians living in Bombay was 1,639.

The city's commercial significance led to the creation of a permanent Persian Consulate in Bombay as early as 1848 during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. The opening of the Consulate General in Mumbai coincided with the establishment of Iranian Diplomatic Missions in other major cities such as London, Saint Petersburg, Istanbul, and Tbilisi.

Furthermore, by 1919, the Imperial Bank of Persia had established one of its few international branches in Bombay.

Notable Figures
Several prominent individuals served as Consul General to Mumbai and made significant contributions during the Qajar dynasty. Appointed by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to visit India, Mirza Hossein Khan Sepahsalar, also known as Mushir al-Dowleh. He was a prominent figure of the Qajar period later to become Chancellor.

Mirza Hasan Khan Esfandiari, who later became Mohtasham al-Saltaneh, was another influential figure who spent three years in Bombay. He later held various significant positions in the Iranian government. Mirza Mohammad Ali Khan, also known as Alaa al-Saltaneh, served as Consul General at Bombay for 10 years, and later held important positions in the Iranian government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mohammad Mirza Kashif al-Saltaneh was another notable figure sent to Bombay. He played a crucial role in researching and promoting tea cultivation in Iran, earning him the title of the "Father of Iranian Tea ."

Consul Generals after the Islamic Revolution
After the Islamic Revolution, the Consulate General of the I.R. of Iran in Mumbai continued to play a vital role in bilateral relations. Here is a list of heads of Iranian Mission from 1979 to 2023:
 * Asadollah Karimnejad: March 1979 - August 1979
 * Iraj Naqibi: August 1979 - March 1980
 * Kamaluddin Mokhlesi: March 1980 - August 1980
 * Ali Salehzadeh Menshadi: August 1980 - March 1984
 * Abdullah Nowroozi: March 1984 - August 1989
 * Ali Zali: September 1989 - April 1993
 * Khosro Rezazadeh: April 1993 – August 1995
 * Seyed Kamal Yasini: August 1995 - November 1999
 * Mehdi Honardoost: November 1999 - November 2003
 * Mohammad Shokrani: January 2004 - May 2007
 * Ali Mohammadi: May 2007 – October 2011
 * Masoud Ebrahimi Khaleghi: December 2012 – November 2017
 * Abolfazl Mohammad Alikhani: July 2019 – December 2023

Iranian Government Agencies in Mumbai
In addition to the Consulate General, some other Iranian government agencies facilitate relations and connectivity in Mumbai :

Iran Culture House : Established in 1956, it serves as a cultural representation of Iran in Mumbai. It was inaugurated with the presence of Iranian diplomats and officials. From academic pursuits to artistic expressions, cinematic showcases, sporting events, and religious connections, in coordination with the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai it bridges the rich heritage of both nations.

The Airline of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Homa or Iran Air) : Established in 1966, it is one of the oldest Iranian companies operating in India, facilitating air travel between Tehran and Mumbai. Currently, there is a flight operating between Tehran and Mumbai every Friday.