Following the US’s caution regarding potential sanctions due to India’s long-term agreement to operate the Chabahar Port in Iran, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed the project’s multifaceted benefits for the region. He urged against a narrow perspective on the initiative, highlighting that even the US had previously recognized Chabahar’s broader relevance.
In a recent interaction, Jaishankar addressed the US remarks, stating the need for communication and persuasion to convey the mutual benefits of the project. He pointed out that the US had previously expressed appreciation for Chabahar’s wider significance and expressed optimism for resolving any concerns.
The Long-Term Bilateral Contract on Chabahar Port Operation, signed between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Iran’s Port & Maritime Organization (PMO), grants India operational control of the Shahid-Beheshti port for the next decade, as part of the larger Chabahar Port Development Project.
Chabahar serves as a key transit hub for trade with landlocked countries such as Afghanistan and those in Central Asia, facilitating Indian exports to these regions. India has invested heavily in the port’s development and infrastructure to establish it as a viable trade route.
Despite the US warning, Jaishankar maintained that the Chabahar project would ultimately benefit the entire region. He expressed confidence in resolving any outstanding issues and finalizing the long-term contract for the port’s operation.
