Defense News ,India & Iran :- In a recent joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, H Amir-Abdollahian, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, underscored the pivotal role played by the Chabahar port in bolstering connectivity and strengthening ties between the two nations.
Jaishankar emphasized India's steadfast commitment to the joint vision of connectivity for the Chabahar port project. He highlighted the strategic importance of the port, considering it a key element in fostering regional trade and cooperation. During discussions in Tehran, the minister focused on establishing a robust, sustainable, and long-term roadmap for India's continued involvement in the project, emphasizing the need for direct political leadership supervision.
The centrality of regional connectivity in India-Iran relations was a recurring theme during Jaishankar's two-day visit. He reiterated India's keen interest in leveraging Iran's unique geographical position to access markets in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Eurasia.
Additionally, Jaishankar explored the potential revitalization of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a project designed to facilitate smoother trade routes. Expressing satisfaction with the comprehensive nature of bilateral discussions, he affirmed India's commitment to closely monitoring the progress of the Chabahar port project.
Highlighting the depth of diplomatic exchange, Jaishankar acknowledged the collaborative efforts in multilateral forums, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), showcasing the strength of bilateral ties between India and Iran.
This visit marked Jaishankar's first to Tehran after Iran's membership approval in BRICS, a development strongly supported by India. The minister expressed confidence that the exchanges during the visit would give momentum to bilateral cooperation and enhance understanding on regional and global issues.
In the context of the volatile and uncertain global environment, Jaishankar emphasized the particular value of the India-Iran partnership and regular consultations. India envisions Chabahar Port as a transit hub under the INSTC, aiming to connect to CIS countries and reduce the time for EXIM shipments to reach Russia, Europe, and Central Asian markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi reiterated the commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation, realizing the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub. The Chabahar port, situated in Iran, stands as a key component of India's connectivity initiatives, offering a shorter route for trade between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. The success of the INSTC would not only connect India to Russia and Central Asian countries but also contribute significantly to the region's commercial transit center, Chabahar Port.
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