Bharat has taken a significant step forward in bolstering regional connectivity by signing a long-term agreement with Iran for the operation of the Chabahar port. This flagship project, jointly developed by Bharat and Iran, holds immense potential as a vital transit port for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the strategic importance of Chabahar as a key commitment towards realizing its role as a connectivity hub for the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the recent milestone, stating that the agreement signed on May 13 marks a major achievement for Bharat. He underscored Bharat’s vision for Chabahar, aiming to harness its potential to facilitate trade and transit routes, particularly for landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian nations.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Chabahar Port, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "On May 13, we signed the long-term agreement for the operation of Chabahar port. Our minister was there. It's a major achievement. We see Chabahar as India's commitment towards realizing the potential of… pic.twitter.com/osK91Yo9mM
— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2024
The United States, while maintaining its sanctions on Iran, has acknowledged the significance of Chabahar Port in providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and offering economic alternatives for the country.
The MEA noted the US’s understanding of Chabahar’s importance for continued humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan, despite ongoing sanctions.
The Chabahar Port has been instrumental in providing vital humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Since Bharat’s involvement in operating the port from 2018 under an interim lease, substantial aid including wheat, pulses, and pesticide has been delivered to Afghanistan, totaling to 85,000 metric tons of wheat, 200 metric tons of pulses, and 40,000 liters of pesticide Malathion.
The long-term bilateral contract signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran spans a period of 10 years.
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This agreement paves the way for the efficient operation of the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal within the Chabahar Port Development Project. The deal aims to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade, particularly between India, Iran, and Afghanistan.
The signing of this agreement signifies a significant milestone in Bharat’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran and enhance regional connectivity.
It is expected to boost trade relations between the involved countries and promote economic growth in the region. With the Chabahar Port poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating trade and transit, it stands as a testament to Bharat’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and development.
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