In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistan’s Karachi Port for Afghanistan’s trade needs. Mujahid’s endorsement comes weeks after India and Iran signed a 10-year&nbsp;contract on the development of the port.

"Afghanistan heavily relies on Pakistani ports like Karachi for its imports and exports. However, Chabahar offers an alternative route, reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on a single corridor and enhancing its economic independence," Mujahid stated.

The Taliban spokesperson emphasised that the Port, located in southeastern Iran and developed with Indian assistance, facilitates trade diversification.

"Chabahar Port facilitates trade diversification by providing access to India, Central Asia, and beyond. This diversification is crucial for Afghanistan’s economic stability and growth," he noted.

The port’s strategic location allows Afghanistan to engage with multiple trading partners and get access to the vital Indian Ocean.

He highlighted that Chabahar offers enhanced trade connectivity, which is transformative for Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Chabahar Port represents a transformative opportunity for Afghanistan, offering enhanced trade connectivity, economic diversification, and regional integration," Mujahid remarked.

The port is also seen as key to the International north-south transport corridor, that is Mumbai to Moscow via Tehran, Baku etc.

Mujahid stressed on the importance of improving Afghanistan’s connectivity infrastructure to maximise the benefits of Chabahar Port.&nbsp;

"Efforts to improve and expand connectivity networks, such as roads and railways, are essential for seamless trade flow through Chabahar," he said.

In 2016, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement to develop Chabahar Port as a vital transportation and trade corridor.

Additionally, Mujahid called for sustained political support and diplomatic efforts to ensure the long-term success of the Chabahar project.&nbsp;

"Afghanistan’s political support is crucial for sustaining and advancing the Chabahar project. Continued collaboration with Iran and India is necessary to overcome challenges and secure the port’s long-term success," he stated.

It is important to note that days after India and Iran concluded a 10-year agreement on the development of Chabahar Port, the United States warned that Indian firms engaging with the port could face sanctions. This represents a significant shift from the US's 2018 decision to grant carve-outs on Iran sanctions, specifically for Chabahar.

As a landlocked nation, Afghanistan faces significant challenges in accessing international markets. Mujahid, in an extensive statement, pointed out that Chabahar Port provides a vital gateway for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and global markets.

"The Chabahar Port will provide an opportunity for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and international markets through this port," he said.

In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistan’s Karachi Port for Afghanistan’s trade needs.

In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistan’s Karachi Port for Afghanistan’s trade needs. Mujahid’s endorsement comes weeks after India and Iran signed a 10-year contract on the development of the port. "Afghanistan heavily relies on Pakistani ports like Karachi for its imports and exports. However, Chabahar offers an alternative route, reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on a single corridor and enhancing its economic independence," Mujahid stated. The Taliban spokesperson emphasised that the Port, located in southeastern Iran and developed with Indian assistance, facilitates trade diversification. "Chabahar Port facilitates trade diversification by providing access to India, Central Asia, and beyond. This diversification is crucial for Afghanistan’s economic stability and growth," he noted. The port’s strategic location allows Afghanistan to engage with multiple trading partners and get access to the vital Indian Ocean. He highlighted that Chabahar offers enhanced trade connectivity, which is transformative for Afghanistan. "Chabahar Port represents a transformative opportunity for Afghanistan, offering enhanced trade connectivity, economic diversification, and regional integration," Mujahid remarked. The port is also seen as key to the International north-south transport corridor, that is Mumbai to Moscow via Tehran, Baku etc. Mujahid stressed on the importance of improving Afghanistan’s connectivity infrastructure to maximise the benefits of Chabahar Port. "Efforts to improve and expand connectivity networks, such as roads and railways, are essential for seamless trade flow through Chabahar," he said. In 2016, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement to develop Chabahar Port as a vital transportation and trade corridor. Additionally, Mujahid called for sustained political support and diplomatic efforts to ensure the long-term success of the Chabahar project. "Afghanistan’s political support is crucial for sustaining and advancing the Chabahar project. Continued collaboration with Iran and India is necessary to overcome challenges and secure the port’s long-term success," he stated. It is important to note that days after India and Iran concluded a 10-year agreement on the development of Chabahar Port, the United States warned that Indian firms engaging with the port could face sanctions. This represents a significant shift from the US's 2018 decision to grant carve-outs on Iran sanctions, specifically for Chabahar. As a landlocked nation, Afghanistan faces significant challenges in accessing international markets. Mujahid, in an extensive statement, pointed out that Chabahar Port provides a vital gateway for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and global markets. "The Chabahar Port will provide an opportunity for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and international markets through this port," he said.

Taliban endorse Chabahar Port, highlight it as an alternative to Karachi

India, Iran and Uzbekistan on Tuesday held a virtual meet on the joint use of Chabahar port and how it can help in increasing regional connectivity.

It is the second trilateral working group meeting and was chaired by Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, secretary, ministry of ports, shipping and waterways; Dr. Ali Akbar Safaei, secretary, deputy minister and managing director, ports and maritime organization of Iran&nbsp;and Abdossamad Mumenof, secretary, ministry of transportation of Uzbekistan.

A release from the ministry of external affairs said, "The participants underlined the important role played by Chabahar port during humanitarian crises. It&nbsp;took note of the increase in transit traffic between Central Asia and South Asia through the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar port and discussed further development of transportation corridor."

The first meeting of the trilateral had taken place&nbsp;last December&nbsp;and came in the backdrop of the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Landlocked Uzbekistan has been keen to increase its connectivity link and to&nbsp;use the port. Back then the proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side.

During Tuesday's virtual meet, the Indian side gave a presentation on the operations of the Chabahar port which has handled&nbsp;160 vessels&nbsp;since December 2018&nbsp;including&nbsp;14,420 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 3.2 million tons of bulk and general cargo.

On December&nbsp;24&nbsp;an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited which is a subsidiary of India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) took over the operations of the Chabahar Port. India also agreed to send a high-level delegation to Chabahar next year at the invitation of the Iranian side.

During PM Modi's visit to Iran in May 2016, a trilateral agreement to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor --Chabahar Agreement was signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

India is participating in the development of the first phase of the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar port in cooperation with the Iranian government. The Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port has handled shipments and trans-shipments from various countries including Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine, Oman, Romania, Bangladesh, Australia, Kuwait, Uzbekistan and UAE.

India has committed total grant assistance of $85 million and a credit facility of $150 Million for the development of Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar port.

New Delhi has also supplied 6 mobile harbour&nbsp;cranes - two 140 tons and four 100 tons capacity - and other equipment worth $25 million.

The port provides connectivity for India not only to Afghanistan but also the Central Asian region. In 2020, the port was used to ship 75,000 MT&nbsp;of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan. Till date, a total of one lakh ten thousand tons of wheat and two thousand tons of pulses has been shipped from India to Afghanistan.

India, Iran and Uzbekistan on Tuesday held a virtual meet on the joint use of Chabahar port and how it can help in increasing regional connectivity. It is the second trilateral working group meeting and was chaired by Dr.

India, Iran and Uzbekistan on Tuesday held a virtual meet on the joint use of Chabahar port and how it can help in increasing regional connectivity. It is the second trilateral working group meeting and was chaired by Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, secretary, ministry of ports, shipping and waterways; Dr. Ali Akbar Safaei, secretary, deputy minister and managing director, ports and maritime organization of Iran and Abdossamad Mumenof, secretary, ministry of transportation of Uzbekistan. A release from the ministry of external affairs said, "The participants underlined the important role played by Chabahar port during humanitarian crises. It took note of the increase in transit traffic between Central Asia and South Asia through the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar port and discussed further development of transportation corridor." The first meeting of the trilateral had taken place last December and came in the backdrop of the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Landlocked Uzbekistan has been keen to increase its connectivity link and to use the port. Back then the proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side. During Tuesday's virtual meet, the Indian side gave a presentation on the operations of the Chabahar port which has handled 160 vessels since December 2018 including 14,420 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 3.2 million tons of bulk and general cargo. On December 24 an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited which is a subsidiary of India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) took over the operations of the Chabahar Port. India also agreed to send a high-level delegation to Chabahar next year at the invitation of the Iranian side. During PM Modi's visit to Iran in May 2016, a trilateral agreement to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor --Chabahar Agreement was signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. India is participating in the development of the first phase of the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar port in cooperation with the Iranian government. The Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port has handled shipments and trans-shipments from various countries including Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine, Oman, Romania, Bangladesh, Australia, Kuwait, Uzbekistan and UAE. India has committed total grant assistance of $85 million and a credit facility of $150 Million for the development of Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar port. New Delhi has also supplied 6 mobile harbour cranes - two 140 tons and four 100 tons capacity - and other equipment worth $25 million. The port provides connectivity for India not only to Afghanistan but also the Central Asian region. In 2020, the port was used to ship 75,000 MT of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan. Till date, a total of one lakh ten thousand tons of wheat and two thousand tons of pulses has been shipped from India to Afghanistan.

India, Iran, Uzbekistan hold meeting to increase use of Chabahar port

Even as India supplied cranes to Iran for the Chabahar project, it termed the project the "anchor" for expansion of "economic and mutual relations" with Tehran.

India over the weekend supplied a consignment of two 140-ton Mobile Harbour Cranes (MGC) for Chabahar that will strengthen the cargo handling capacity of the port.&nbsp;

India's minister of ports and shipping Mansukh Mandaviya said, "Chabahar Port is a strategic port with great national importance. The delivery of a consignment of heavy equipment, including cranes, shows India’s commitment to the strategic connectivity of the Chabahar port project that will provide access to markets in Central Asia" which will give the port "further boost to the maritime trade between both the countries."

WION was first to break the story on Sunday. The consignment of cranes arrived from Marghera port, Italy on and is presently undergoing trials run. India will be supplying six&nbsp;mobile harbour cranes, with a total contract value of over $ 25 million.

India's shipping ministry release said that the delivery of cranes is "a step towards India’s commitment towards infrastructure development of ‎Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar."

India is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. In December 2018, an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the port operations, and as of December 2020, the port has handled 1.75 million tonnes of bulk cargo and more than 13000 TEUs of container cargo.&nbsp;

India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) Mumbai is a Special Purpose Vehicle incorporated under the ambit of India's Ministry of Ports, ‎Shipping, and Waterways.

India used the port to send 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic.&nbsp;

India also supplied 20,000 litres of the pesticide Malathion 96 per cent&nbsp;ULV to Iran via Chabahar port in 2020 to help Iran curb the menace of desert locusts. Another Malathion consignment from India to Iran is due this year.

Even as India supplied cranes to Iran for the Chabahar project, it termed the project the "anchor" for expansion of "economic and mutual relations" with Tehran. India over the weekend supplied a consignment of two 140-ton Mobile Harbour Cranes (MGC) for Chabahar that will strengthen the cargo handling capacity of the port.

Even as India supplied cranes to Iran for the Chabahar project, it termed the project the "anchor" for expansion of "economic and mutual relations" with Tehran. India over the weekend supplied a consignment of two 140-ton Mobile Harbour Cranes (MGC) for Chabahar that will strengthen the cargo handling capacity of the port. India's minister of ports and shipping Mansukh Mandaviya said, "Chabahar Port is a strategic port with great national importance. The delivery of a consignment of heavy equipment, including cranes, shows India’s commitment to the strategic connectivity of the Chabahar port project that will provide access to markets in Central Asia" which will give the port "further boost to the maritime trade between both the countries." WION was first to break the story on Sunday. The consignment of cranes arrived from Marghera port, Italy on and is presently undergoing trials run. India will be supplying six mobile harbour cranes, with a total contract value of over $ 25 million. India's shipping ministry release said that the delivery of cranes is "a step towards India’s commitment towards infrastructure development of ‎Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar." India is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. In December 2018, an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the port operations, and as of December 2020, the port has handled 1.75 million tonnes of bulk cargo and more than 13000 TEUs of container cargo. India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) Mumbai is a Special Purpose Vehicle incorporated under the ambit of India's Ministry of Ports, ‎Shipping, and Waterways. India used the port to send 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic. India also supplied 20,000 litres of the pesticide Malathion 96 per cent ULV to Iran via Chabahar port in 2020 to help Iran curb the menace of desert locusts. Another Malathion consignment from India to Iran is due this year.

Chabahar anchor of expansion of economic ties with Iran: India

Fast pacing the work on the crucial Chabahar port, the Government of India has supplied the much-awaited first shipment of mobile harbour cranes to Iran. Two 140-ton mobile harbour cranes arrived at the Chabahar port on Saturday night and are being currently unloaded. India has supplied the cranes via an Italian company called Italgru.

Chabahar has been a key connectivity project of India that aims to connect it with Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond. More and more countries are keen to join the port now. December saw the first India-Uzbekistan-Iran trilateral working group meeting on the joint use of the port for trade and transit purposes and enhanced regional connectivity. New Delhi will be inviting Afghanistan for the next meeting. India is also pursuing the inclusion of Chabahar port in INSTC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kazakhstan-bats-for-chabahar-port-envoy-says-process-underway-for-use-via-caspian-sea-354885">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kazakhstan-bats-for-chabahar-port-envoy-says-process-underway-for-use-via-caspian-sea-354885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kazakhstan envoy speaking to WION highlighted the importance of the port for the country. Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev to India said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done"

India is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. In December 2018, an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the port operations, and as of December 2020, the port has handled 1.75 million tonnes of bulk cargo and more than 13,000 TEUs of container cargo.&nbsp;

India has used the port to send 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic. India also supplied 20,000 litres of the pesticide Malathion 96 per cent ULV to Iran via Chabahar port in 2020 to help Iran curb the menace of desert locusts. Another Malathion consignment from India to Iran is due this year.

Fast pacing the work on the crucial Chabahar port, the Government of India has supplied the much-awaited first shipment of mobile harbour cranes to Iran. Two 140-ton mobile harbour cranes arrived at the Chabahar port on Saturday night and are being currently unloaded.

Fast pacing the work on the crucial Chabahar port, the Government of India has supplied the much-awaited first shipment of mobile harbour cranes to Iran. Two 140-ton mobile harbour cranes arrived at the Chabahar port on Saturday night and are being currently unloaded. India has supplied the cranes via an Italian company called Italgru. Chabahar has been a key connectivity project of India that aims to connect it with Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond. More and more countries are keen to join the port now. December saw the first India-Uzbekistan-Iran trilateral working group meeting on the joint use of the port for trade and transit purposes and enhanced regional connectivity. New Delhi will be inviting Afghanistan for the next meeting. India is also pursuing the inclusion of Chabahar port in INSTC. WATCH| Kazakhstan envoy speaking to WION highlighted the importance of the port for the country. Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev to India said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done" India is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. In December 2018, an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the port operations, and as of December 2020, the port has handled 1.75 million tonnes of bulk cargo and more than 13,000 TEUs of container cargo. India has used the port to send 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic. India also supplied 20,000 litres of the pesticide Malathion 96 per cent ULV to Iran via Chabahar port in 2020 to help Iran curb the menace of desert locusts. Another Malathion consignment from India to Iran is due this year.

Work on Chabahar fast-paced as India begins handing over cranes to Iran

The first-ever shipment from Iran's Shahid Behesti Terminal of Chabahar left for Thailand began on 29th July, increasing the engagement of India backed port globally.

MV LIBRA sailed from Chabahar on 29th July carrying with 123 loaded TEUs ( twenty-foot equivalent unit) for Indian ports of Mundra and JNPT. The shipment bound for Bangkok will be transhipped at Mundra.

The shipment includes Iran’s aquatic products. Director-General of Sistan and Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Organization, Behrouz Aghaei said last week that this is for the first time Iranian products will go to Thailand via Chabahar. He explained the products will be unloaded at Mundra in India and loaded on another ship to its final destination to Bangkok Port.

Meanwhile, India has ordered the necessary equipment for the Chabahar port’s development project. The port will receive several mobile harbour cranes during the current Iranian calendar year, according to Iran's port and maritime organisation.

New Delhi is participating in the development of the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar in cooperation with Iranian govt. Indian company- India Ports Global Limited-- took over the operations of the port in December 2018. This has become a crucial connectivity link between India and Afghanistan as Pakistan continues to deny overland routes to New Delhi for Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The first-ever shipment from Iran's Shahid Behesti Terminal of Chabahar left for Thailand began on 29th July, increasing the engagement of India backed port globally.

The first-ever shipment from Iran's Shahid Behesti Terminal of Chabahar left for Thailand began on 29th July, increasing the engagement of India backed port globally. MV LIBRA sailed from Chabahar on 29th July carrying with 123 loaded TEUs ( twenty-foot equivalent unit) for Indian ports of Mundra and JNPT. The shipment bound for Bangkok will be transhipped at Mundra. The shipment includes Iran’s aquatic products. Director-General of Sistan and Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Organization, Behrouz Aghaei said last week that this is for the first time Iranian products will go to Thailand via Chabahar. He explained the products will be unloaded at Mundra in India and loaded on another ship to its final destination to Bangkok Port. Meanwhile, India has ordered the necessary equipment for the Chabahar port’s development project. The port will receive several mobile harbour cranes during the current Iranian calendar year, according to Iran's port and maritime organisation. New Delhi is participating in the development of the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar in cooperation with Iranian govt. Indian company- India Ports Global Limited-- took over the operations of the port in December 2018. This has become a crucial connectivity link between India and Afghanistan as Pakistan continues to deny overland routes to New Delhi for Afghanistan.

India backed Chabahar Port connects Iran with Thailand