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Chabahar Port: India-Iran's Strategic Gateway to Central Asia & Beyond

Iran's Ambassador to India emphasized that the Chabahar Port is a key symbol of bilateral cooperation and a crucial hub for regional connectivity. The project, initiated by India in 2003, provides an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. A new long-term agreement was recently signed to solidify India's operational role at the port's Shahid Beheshti terminal. The port has already been utilized for significant shipments, including humanitarian wheat aid to Afghanistan.

Key Points: Chabahar Port: India-Iran Partnership for Regional Connectivity

  • Symbol of India-Iran partnership
  • Vital for regional connectivity
  • Bypasses Pakistan for trade access
  • Long-term agreement signed in 2024
  • Used for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
2 min read

Chabahar Port symbol of India-Iran partnership, vital for regional connectivity: Iranian Envoy

Iranian envoy calls Chabahar Port a symbol of India-Iran partnership, vital for regional connectivity and development, as both nations reaffirm ties.

"The Chabahar Port project... plays an important role in the common development and regional connectivity. - Mohammad Fathali"

New Delhi, February 9

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Monday stated that the Chabahar Port project stands as a symbol of the strong partnership between India and Iran and plays a vital role in promoting common development and regional connectivity.

Speaking at a reception on the occasion of the Iranian National Day hosted by the Iranian Embassy in India, Ambassador Fathali said that relations between India and Iran are deeply rooted in thousands of years of shared history and civilisation.

He noted that the port reflects the spirit of cooperation between the two countries and contributes significantly to regional connectivity.

"Relations between Iran and India are rooted in thousands of years of shared history and civilisation and based on common culture," the envoy said.

"This rich heritage is a valuable asset for expanding bilateral cooperation. The Chabahar Port project, as a symbol of the cooperation between our two countries, plays an important role in the common development and regional connectivity," he added.

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, represented India as the Chief Guest at the reception, during which he conveyed warm congratulations to the Government and people of Iran and reaffirmed India's enduring commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

"Secretary (West) Sibi George represented India as the Chief Guest at the Iranian National Day reception hosted by @Iran_in_India. He conveyed warm congratulations to the Government and people of Iran and reaffirmed India's enduring commitment to bilateral ties," the MEA stated in a post on X.

India proposed developing the Chabahar Port in 2003 to provide an alternative route for Indian goods to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia via road and rail connectivity under the International North-South Transport Corridor, bypassing Pakistan. The progress on the project had slowed earlier due to US sanctions on Iran linked to its suspected nuclear programme.

To operationalise India's role at the port, a long-term agreement was signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation of Iran. The agreement replaces the initial 2016 pact covering India's role at the Shahid Beheshti terminal in Chabahar Port, which had been extended annually.

In recent years, Chabahar has been utilised for key consignments, including the shipment of 20,000 tonnes of wheat assistance to Afghanistan in 2023. In 2021, the port was also used to send environmentally friendly pesticides to Iran.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's encouraging to see such projects moving forward despite geopolitical complexities. The wheat shipment to Afghanistan shows its humanitarian value. Hope it brings stability and prosperity to the region.
V
Vikram M
Good move, but the progress has been painfully slow since 2003. We need faster execution on such critical infrastructure. The US sanctions issue always looms large. Hope the new long-term agreement provides real momentum.
P
Priya S
Connecting our ancient civilizations through modern trade routes is a beautiful idea. This is more than politics; it's about people-to-people ties that go back millennia. Wishing success for this partnership! ✨
R
Rohit P
Finally some positive news on Chabahar! This port is a game-changer for Indian exporters. Reducing dependency on traditional routes will cut costs and time. Let's hope the government now pushes for faster rail and road links from the port inland.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian, I appreciate the diplomatic language focusing on shared history and development. It's a smart way to build partnerships in a tricky region. However, we must ensure our investments are secure and the benefits reach our economy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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