Bharat’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, held a significant meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, in Tehran on Monday. The discussions covered various crucial topics, including Bharat’s involvement in the Chabahar port, the Gaza war, attacks on commercial ships, and broader regional and global issues.
Chabahar Port Development and Connectivity
During a joint press conference, Jaishankar highlighted the discussions on energizing the International North-South Transport Corridor. He emphasized Bharat’s interest in the development and operation of the Chabahar port, emphasizing its strategic importance for connectivity. Jaishankar stated that the joint project reflects a shared vision of connectivity, providing Bharat with access to markets in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Eurasia.
Palestine Issue and Humanitarian Crisis
Jaishankar reiterated Bharat’s long-standing support for a two-state solution for Palestine, emphasizing the need for the Palestinian people to live freely within secure borders. He urged all parties to avoid provocative actions and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. The External Affairs Minister expressed concern about the visible humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for the creation of sustainable humanitarian corridors. He welcomed international efforts in this direction and highlighted Bharat’s contributions in delivering relief material to Gaza.
Threats to Maritime Shipping
Addressing threats to maritime shipping in the region, Jaishankar urged a speedy resolution to the issue. This statement is seen as a reference to recent incidents involving Iranian-backed Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Jaishankar stressed the significance of “people-to-people contacts” and announced India’s decision to include Farsi as one of the nine classical languages in the country’s New Education Policy.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Jaishankar to convey condolences personally regarding a recent terrorist attack in Kerman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also written to Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi expressing sympathy.
Jaishankar mentioned that the agenda included discussions on the Gaza situation, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and BRICS cooperation. The foreign minister emphasized India’s unwavering stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
In a Twitter post, Jaishankar summarized the meeting, stating, “Held wide-ranging discussions today in Tehran with Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian. Our bilateral discussion focused on the long-term framework for India’s involvement with Chabahar port and the INSTC connectivity project. Also spoke about threats to maritime shipping in the region. Important that this be speedily addressed.”
Held wide ranging discussions today in Tehran with Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian.
Our bilateral discussion focused on the long term framework for India’s involvement with Chabahar port and the INSTC connectivity project.
Also spoke about threats to maritime shipping in the… pic.twitter.com/e5PNyrgRfD
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 15, 2024
The high-level exchanges between India and Iran underscore the countries’ commitment to addressing regional challenges and fostering cooperation on various fronts.
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