India is set to sign an agreement with Iran to manage Chabahar Port for the next 10 years. This is the first time India will take over management of a port overseas. Watch in for more details!

India, Iran set to ink 10-year Chabahar port deal

Over 17 weeks after New Delhi forged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-g20-modi-biden-mbs-launch-inter-continent-economic-corridor-to-outfox-chinas-bri-634176">India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor</a> during the G20 Leaders' Summit which doesn't include Iran, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the Iranian capital earlier this week. The visit held significance against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions due to the Israel-Hamas war, ISIS-claimed terrorist attacks in Iran, and maritime security concerns stemming from Houthi activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-g20-modi-biden-mbs-launch-inter-continent-economic-corridor-to-outfox-chinas-bri-634176">G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal'</a>

One focal point of the discussions was the Delhi-Tehran collaboration&nbsp;on the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The two sides committed a "long-term cooperation framework" for the Chabahar port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.

Jaishankar's Tehran visit came after&nbsp;India refrained from joining Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led multinational security mission despite being a principal maritime power in the region.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India, Iran ink historic Chabahar Port Agreement

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During the joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of regional connectivity in India–Iran relations.

He reaffirmed India's commitment to the Chabahar project, emphasising the need for a sustainable long-term roadmap supervised by the political leadership.

Speaking at a joint press statement with Iranian foreign affairs minister, Jaishankar said, "We exchanged perspectives and assessments on certain regional and global issues and developments. Both of us are concerned about the recent events in West Asia, and we emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities."

An official Iranian readout stated: "The President (Ebrahim Raisi) stressed the need to follow up and accelerate the implementation of the agreements between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port Development Plan, and the need to compensate for the delay in the implementation of commitments."

Also read |&nbsp;India, Iran reach pact to further develop Chabahar port as minister Jaishankar visits

Other than President Raisi, Jaishankar held meetings with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian, Secretary of the National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, with whom he nailed the 'long term cooperation' breakthrough for further development of&nbsp;Chabahar port.

<h2>Delhi's 'corridor' diplomacy</h2>

Delhi&nbsp;and Tehran, in parallel with the International North-South Transport Corridor are exploring opportunities for transit and transportation potential in Armenia, aligning with Azerbaijan's Zangezur Corridor. 
 
The collaboration aims to provide an additional route for India to connect with Europe amid evolving regional dynamics.

Over 17 weeks after New Delhi forged the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor during the G20 Leaders' Summit which doesn't include Iran, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the Iranian capital earlier this week.

Over 17 weeks after New Delhi forged the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor during the G20 Leaders' Summit which doesn't include Iran, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the Iranian capital earlier this week. The visit held significance against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions due to the Israel-Hamas war, ISIS-claimed terrorist attacks in Iran, and maritime security concerns stemming from Houthi activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Also read | G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal' One focal point of the discussions was the Delhi-Tehran collaboration on the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The two sides committed a "long-term cooperation framework" for the Chabahar port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran. Jaishankar's Tehran visit came after India refrained from joining Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led multinational security mission despite being a principal maritime power in the region. Also watch | India, Iran ink historic Chabahar Port Agreement × During the joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of regional connectivity in India–Iran relations. He reaffirmed India's commitment to the Chabahar project, emphasising the need for a sustainable long-term roadmap supervised by the political leadership. Speaking at a joint press statement with Iranian foreign affairs minister, Jaishankar said, "We exchanged perspectives and assessments on certain regional and global issues and developments. Both of us are concerned about the recent events in West Asia, and we emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities." An official Iranian readout stated: "The President (Ebrahim Raisi) stressed the need to follow up and accelerate the implementation of the agreements between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port Development Plan, and the need to compensate for the delay in the implementation of commitments." Also read | India, Iran reach pact to further develop Chabahar port as minister Jaishankar visits Other than President Raisi, Jaishankar held meetings with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian, Secretary of the National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, with whom he nailed the 'long term cooperation' breakthrough for further development of Chabahar port. Delhi's 'corridor' diplomacy Delhi and Tehran, in parallel with the International North-South Transport Corridor are exploring opportunities for transit and transportation potential in Armenia, aligning with Azerbaijan's Zangezur Corridor. The collaboration aims to provide an additional route for India to connect with Europe amid evolving regional dynamics.

The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach

In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.

Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Iran as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, took to his official X account and shared that both the ministers also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor.

"Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor," he wrote.

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Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development <a href="https://twitter.com/mehrdadbazrpash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mehrdadbazrpash</a>. 
 
Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South… <a href="https://t.co/mDBxfHV690">pic.twitter.com/mDBxfHV690</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1746831889225449584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Bazrpash additionally proposed setting up a joint transport committee for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, stating that the formation of the committee would boost&nbsp;the transit capabilities&nbsp;and usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as per Iran's Tasnim News Agency.

In August 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and leveraging Chabahar Port to its full potential as a centre for connectivity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-phone-call-with-putin-to-discuss-regional-and-global-issues-including-brics-680262">PM Modi holds phone call with Putin to discuss regional and global issues</a>

"The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub," Prime Minister's Office said in a press release.

WATCH |&nbsp;India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia

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<h2>Chabahar Port and India's connectivity initiatives</h2>

The Iranian port of Chabahar plays a significant role in India's connectivity initiatives as it provides a more economical and stable route for trade between India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.&nbsp;

INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route that connects the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea via Iran and then travels via St. Petersburg, Russia, to northern Europe.

According to MEA, India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in the year 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace. The port has also been utilised by the Central Asian Countries to access the global market and has increased trade and economic opportunities for the traders of the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.

In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Iran as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, took to his official X account and shared that both the ministers also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor. "Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor," he wrote. Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development @mehrdadbazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South… pic.twitter.com/mDBxfHV690 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 15, 2024 × Bazrpash additionally proposed setting up a joint transport committee for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, stating that the formation of the committee would boost the transit capabilities and usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as per Iran's Tasnim News Agency. In August 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and leveraging Chabahar Port to its full potential as a centre for connectivity. Also read: PM Modi holds phone call with Putin to discuss regional and global issues "The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub," Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. WATCH | India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia × Chabahar Port and India's connectivity initiatives The Iranian port of Chabahar plays a significant role in India's connectivity initiatives as it provides a more economical and stable route for trade between India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route that connects the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea via Iran and then travels via St. Petersburg, Russia, to northern Europe. According to MEA, India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in the year 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace. The port has also been utilised by the Central Asian Countries to access the global market and has increased trade and economic opportunities for the traders of the region. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Iran reach pact to further develop Chabahar port as minister Jaishankar visits

Iran is ready to give 'special priority' to India in its oil exports if New Delhi shows willingness, the country's deputy foreign minister for political affairs said on Sunday, July 16.

"We as one of the biggest suppliers of oil in the world. We are ready to give special priority to India but India should show willingness," Ali Bagheri, Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs, told news agency ANI.

India has not imported crude oil from Iran for the last four years after the US did not continue with sanction waivers to India and several other countries.

<h2>Iran-India ties: Focus on Chabahar Port</h2>

The deputy foreign minister also said that any increase in the investment from the Indian side "could play an important role in advances, progress and the completion of Chabahar Port."

Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost connectivity and trade ties.

Chabahar Port is also a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

<h2>Iranian Rial-Indian Rupee framework in the works</h2>

Speaking on the use of local currencies for bilateral trade, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said that it falls on the Iranian agenda.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-and-armenia-form-trilateral-grouping-to-deepen-ties-and-co-operation-584545">India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation</a>

"We have made good progress in this. Hopefully, this could take new momentum and we could see widespread use of our national currencies in this process," Ali Bagheri said.

Iran and India engage at various multilateral forums alongside their relevant bilateral engagements.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iran-flagged tanker seized over suspected crude oil transfer by Indonesia

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Earlier this month, India joined its Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) counterparts in welcoming Iran into the multilateral grouping founded by China.

Prior to that, in April 2023, in a move aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, India, Iran and Armenia formed a trilateral grouping. The first trilateral political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the three countries was held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan on April 20, 2023.

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Iran is ready to give 'special priority' to India in its oil exports if New Delhi shows willingness, the country's deputy foreign minister for political affairs said on Sunday, July 16.

Iran is ready to give 'special priority' to India in its oil exports if New Delhi shows willingness, the country's deputy foreign minister for political affairs said on Sunday, July 16. "We as one of the biggest suppliers of oil in the world. We are ready to give special priority to India but India should show willingness," Ali Bagheri, Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs, told news agency ANI. India has not imported crude oil from Iran for the last four years after the US did not continue with sanction waivers to India and several other countries. Iran-India ties: Focus on Chabahar Port The deputy foreign minister also said that any increase in the investment from the Indian side "could play an important role in advances, progress and the completion of Chabahar Port." Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost connectivity and trade ties. Chabahar Port is also a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. Iranian Rial-Indian Rupee framework in the works Speaking on the use of local currencies for bilateral trade, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said that it falls on the Iranian agenda. Also read | India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation "We have made good progress in this. Hopefully, this could take new momentum and we could see widespread use of our national currencies in this process," Ali Bagheri said. Iran and India engage at various multilateral forums alongside their relevant bilateral engagements. Also watch | Iran-flagged tanker seized over suspected crude oil transfer by Indonesia × Earlier this month, India joined its Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) counterparts in welcoming Iran into the multilateral grouping founded by China. Prior to that, in April 2023, in a move aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, India, Iran and Armenia formed a trilateral grouping. The first trilateral political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the three countries was held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan on April 20, 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran pitches 'special priority' for India in oil exports with focus on cooperation over Chabahar Port

In a move aimed at strengthening regional co-operation, India, Iran and Armenia have formed a trilateral grouping. The first trilateral political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the three countries was held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan on Thursday.

The delegations were led by Mnatsakan Safaryan, the deputy foreign minister of Armenia, Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, the assistant of the foreign minister of Iran, and JP Singh, the joint secretary of the ministry of external affairs of India according to Armenia's foreign ministry.&nbsp;

"During the meeting, the sides particularly discussed economic issues and regional communication channels, outlined the prospects of deepening cultural and people to people contacts as well as trilateral cooperation in various fields," read a readout from the Armenian foreign ministry.&nbsp;

The three countries have decided to "continue consultations" in the format, the readout explained. The trilateral meeting discussed the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a freight corridor connecting India, Iran, and Russia, aimed at reducing costs and time in the movement of goods from Mumbai to Moscow. The INSTC agreement was signed by Russia, Iran, and India in 2002 and has since expanded.&nbsp;

Bilateral relations between the three countries have been robust, with high-level engagement in recent months. Both Armenian foreign and defence ministers have visited India, with the Armenian foreign minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, visiting India in March 2023, the Minister of Defence Suren Papikyan visiting in April 2022, and EAM Jaishankar visiting the country in October 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-g20-presidency-weaving-inclusive-growth-583617">WATCH |&nbsp;India's G20 Presidency: Weaving inclusive growth</a>

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India and Iran also have historic ties, with the two countries sharing a common cultural heritage. The Chabahar port in Iran has been key to connectivity between the two sides. India has provided equipment worth $25 million to aid in the development of the port, including six mobile harbour cranes.

The port has the potential to serve as a gateway for India to access Central Asia and Afghanistan, while also providing Iran with an alternative trade route to the Persian Gulf. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is expected to travel to India in July to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a full-fledged member of the grouping.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-chair-sco-environment-emergencies-ministers-meet-this-week-583510">ALSO READ |&nbsp;India to chair SCO environment, emergencies ministers meet this week</a>

Iran and Armenia, which share a border, also have robust ties. Last year, Iran opened a consulate in Armenia's Kapan. The two countries have also been working together to enhance trade and economic cooperation with Armenia serving as a transit route for Iran to access the Eurasian Economic Union. The trilateral grouping between India, Iran, and Armenia is expected to pave the way for greater cooperation in a range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, and transportation.

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In a move aimed at strengthening regional co-operation, India, Iran and Armenia have formed a trilateral grouping. The first trilateral political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the three countries was held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan on Thursday.

In a move aimed at strengthening regional co-operation, India, Iran and Armenia have formed a trilateral grouping. The first trilateral political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of the three countries was held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan on Thursday. The delegations were led by Mnatsakan Safaryan, the deputy foreign minister of Armenia, Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, the assistant of the foreign minister of Iran, and JP Singh, the joint secretary of the ministry of external affairs of India according to Armenia's foreign ministry. "During the meeting, the sides particularly discussed economic issues and regional communication channels, outlined the prospects of deepening cultural and people to people contacts as well as trilateral cooperation in various fields," read a readout from the Armenian foreign ministry. The three countries have decided to "continue consultations" in the format, the readout explained. The trilateral meeting discussed the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a freight corridor connecting India, Iran, and Russia, aimed at reducing costs and time in the movement of goods from Mumbai to Moscow. The INSTC agreement was signed by Russia, Iran, and India in 2002 and has since expanded. Bilateral relations between the three countries have been robust, with high-level engagement in recent months. Both Armenian foreign and defence ministers have visited India, with the Armenian foreign minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, visiting India in March 2023, the Minister of Defence Suren Papikyan visiting in April 2022, and EAM Jaishankar visiting the country in October 2021. WATCH | India's G20 Presidency: Weaving inclusive growth × India and Iran also have historic ties, with the two countries sharing a common cultural heritage. The Chabahar port in Iran has been key to connectivity between the two sides. India has provided equipment worth $25 million to aid in the development of the port, including six mobile harbour cranes. The port has the potential to serve as a gateway for India to access Central Asia and Afghanistan, while also providing Iran with an alternative trade route to the Persian Gulf. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is expected to travel to India in July to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a full-fledged member of the grouping. ALSO READ | India to chair SCO environment, emergencies ministers meet this week Iran and Armenia, which share a border, also have robust ties. Last year, Iran opened a consulate in Armenia's Kapan. The two countries have also been working together to enhance trade and economic cooperation with Armenia serving as a transit route for Iran to access the Eurasian Economic Union. The trilateral grouping between India, Iran, and Armenia is expected to pave the way for greater cooperation in a range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, and transportation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Relations Mehdi Safari has pitched for Chabahar port as key connectivity &amp; trade route at the India Central Asia meet that took place in Mumbai. The two-day meeting, which began on Wednesday, was the first meeting of the India - Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar port development.

Mehdi Safari speaking at the meet said, "Countries have expressed on different occasions strong interest to utilize the opportunities Chabahar offers. There have been numerous visits by officials of these countries to Chabahar, and there have been some discussions of land lease, and ownership by Central Asian countries in Chabahar". The Iranian minister was joined by Iran's Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi at the meeting.

The India Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar meeting is a significant development in strengthening the connectivity between India, Central Asia, and Iran. The meeting included representatives from India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, along with Iran and the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) as special invitees. It is one of the key outcomes of the Delhi Declaration from the first India Central Asia summit held in January last year, which aimed to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various areas.&nbsp;

The Chabahar port, located in the southeastern Iranian city of Chabahar, is strategically positioned as a commercial transit hub for the region. India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement in 2016 to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor (Chabahar Agreement), with India committing USD 85 Million in total grant assistance and a credit facility of USD 150 Million for the development of the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port. India has also provided equipment worth USD 25 Million to aid in the development of the port, including six Mobile Harbour Cranes.

The Chabahar free trade zone established by Iran aims to attract investment and utilize the advantages of the port, which is the only oceanic port in Iran. The development of the Shahid Behesti Terminal and the utilization of the Chabahar port by participating countries is expected to increase economic and trade opportunities for the region.

The India Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar meeting is expected to further strengthen India's connectivity focus with Central Asian countries and Iran. It provides an opportunity for the participating countries to discuss and explore possibilities for greater trade and investment cooperation, as well as the use of the Chabahar port to enhance connectivity between the regions.

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Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Relations Mehdi Safari has pitched for Chabahar port as key connectivity & trade route at the India Central Asia meet that took place in Mumbai.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Relations Mehdi Safari has pitched for Chabahar port as key connectivity & trade route at the India Central Asia meet that took place in Mumbai. The two-day meeting, which began on Wednesday, was the first meeting of the India - Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar port development. Mehdi Safari speaking at the meet said, "Countries have expressed on different occasions strong interest to utilize the opportunities Chabahar offers. There have been numerous visits by officials of these countries to Chabahar, and there have been some discussions of land lease, and ownership by Central Asian countries in Chabahar". The Iranian minister was joined by Iran's Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi at the meeting. The India Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar meeting is a significant development in strengthening the connectivity between India, Central Asia, and Iran. The meeting included representatives from India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, along with Iran and the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) as special invitees. It is one of the key outcomes of the Delhi Declaration from the first India Central Asia summit held in January last year, which aimed to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various areas. The Chabahar port, located in the southeastern Iranian city of Chabahar, is strategically positioned as a commercial transit hub for the region. India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement in 2016 to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor (Chabahar Agreement), with India committing USD 85 Million in total grant assistance and a credit facility of USD 150 Million for the development of the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port. India has also provided equipment worth USD 25 Million to aid in the development of the port, including six Mobile Harbour Cranes. The Chabahar free trade zone established by Iran aims to attract investment and utilize the advantages of the port, which is the only oceanic port in Iran. The development of the Shahid Behesti Terminal and the utilization of the Chabahar port by participating countries is expected to increase economic and trade opportunities for the region. The India Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar meeting is expected to further strengthen India's connectivity focus with Central Asian countries and Iran. It provides an opportunity for the participating countries to discuss and explore possibilities for greater trade and investment cooperation, as well as the use of the Chabahar port to enhance connectivity between the regions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran Minister Mehdi Safari pitches for Chabahar port at India Central Asia meet in Mumbai

The first meeting of the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar is underway in Mumbai. The two-day meet, which began on Wednesday, was one of the key outcomes of the Delhi Declaration of the first India Central Asia summit held in January last year. The participants of the meeting include India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Special invitees include Iran and the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP).

One of the key issues being discussed at the meeting is the development of the Shahid Behesti Terminal (SBT) and the usage of the Chabahar port by the Central Asian countries. The expectations of the participating countries are also being discussed at the meeting.

The Chabahar port is strategically located in the southeastern Iranian city of Chabahar (Persian for 'four springs') and has emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region. India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement in May 2016 to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor (Chabahar Agreement). India is participating in the development of the first phase of the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port, in cooperation with Iran.

India has committed a total grant assistance of $85 million and a credit facility of $150 million for the development of the SBT. As part of its commitment towards infrastructure development of the SBT, India has supplied six mobile harbour cranes (two 140 tonnes and four 100 tonnes capacity) and other equipment worth $25 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/central-asian-countries-to-get-stake-in-chabahar-port-says-kyrgyz-republic-envoy-isaev-exclusive-452350">WATCH |&nbsp;Central Asian Countries to get stake in Chabahar port, says Kyrgyz Republic Envoy Isaev | Exclusive</a>

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Since taking over the operations of the Chabahar Port in December 2018, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), has handled 215 vessels, 16,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), and four million tonnes of bulk and general cargo as per the latest data given to the Indian parliament.

The Chabahar Port has provided much-needed sea access to the landlocked countries of the region, including Afghanistan, and has become a more economical and stable route for landlocked countries of the region to reach India and the global market. To date, a total of 2.5 million tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of pulses have been trans-shipped from India to Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port.

The port has also facilitated the supply of humanitarian assistance, especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic. India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-back-usage-of-india-built-chabahar-port-say-ready-to-provide-facilities-541441">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Taliban back usage of India-built Chabahar port, say ‘ready to provide facilities</a>

The India Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar meeting is expected to further strengthen India's connectivity focus with the Central Asian countries and Iran. The development of the Chabahar port and its usage by the participating countries is expected to increase economic and trade opportunities for the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The first meeting of the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar is underway in Mumbai. The two-day meet, which began on Wednesday, was one of the key outcomes of the Delhi Declaration of the first India Central Asia summit held in January last year.

The first meeting of the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar is underway in Mumbai. The two-day meet, which began on Wednesday, was one of the key outcomes of the Delhi Declaration of the first India Central Asia summit held in January last year. The participants of the meeting include India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Special invitees include Iran and the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP). One of the key issues being discussed at the meeting is the development of the Shahid Behesti Terminal (SBT) and the usage of the Chabahar port by the Central Asian countries. The expectations of the participating countries are also being discussed at the meeting. The Chabahar port is strategically located in the southeastern Iranian city of Chabahar (Persian for 'four springs') and has emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region. India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement in May 2016 to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor (Chabahar Agreement). India is participating in the development of the first phase of the Shahid Behesti Terminal, Chabahar Port, in cooperation with Iran. India has committed a total grant assistance of $85 million and a credit facility of $150 million for the development of the SBT. As part of its commitment towards infrastructure development of the SBT, India has supplied six mobile harbour cranes (two 140 tonnes and four 100 tonnes capacity) and other equipment worth $25 million. WATCH | Central Asian Countries to get stake in Chabahar port, says Kyrgyz Republic Envoy Isaev | Exclusive × Since taking over the operations of the Chabahar Port in December 2018, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), has handled 215 vessels, 16,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), and four million tonnes of bulk and general cargo as per the latest data given to the Indian parliament. The Chabahar Port has provided much-needed sea access to the landlocked countries of the region, including Afghanistan, and has become a more economical and stable route for landlocked countries of the region to reach India and the global market. To date, a total of 2.5 million tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of pulses have been trans-shipped from India to Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port. The port has also facilitated the supply of humanitarian assistance, especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic. India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace. ALSO READ | Taliban back usage of India-built Chabahar port, say ‘ready to provide facilities The India Central Asia Joint Working Group on Chabahar meeting is expected to further strengthen India's connectivity focus with the Central Asian countries and Iran. The development of the Chabahar port and its usage by the participating countries is expected to increase economic and trade opportunities for the region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India hosts first meeting on Chabahar Port development with Central Asian nations

India is all set to deliver humanitarian assistance consisting of wheat to "Afghan people" via the Chabahar port in Iran. The India built port has been in the past used to send assistance to Afghanistan, but this is for the first time since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that the Chabahar will be used to send assistance the landlocked country.&nbsp;

A ministry of external affairs statement said, "to address the current humanitarian situation, Indian side announced its partnership with UNWFP for the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through the Chabahar Port.". India has utilized the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-visits-iraq-vows-defence-support-against-daesh-569575">US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh</a>

Taliban has welcomed the development. Taliban's Suhail Shaheen told WION that, "We greatly appreciate the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through Chabahar Port. Such humanitarian steps boost trust between the two countries which will lead to mutual positive relations."

Last year India dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 40,000 MTs of wheat, 50 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID Vaccine, winter clothing and 28 tons of disaster relief assistance. This assistance was sent over land Pakistan.

The humanitarian assistance comes even as India hasn't recognized the Taliban regime in Kabul but continues to have conversation with it. In June 2022, an Indian technical team was sent to Kabul to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

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An Indian company took over the operations of the port in December 2018. India has invested close to 85 plus million dollars development of the port which it sees as an important component of connectivity to its west--Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.

Plans are afoot to include the port in the North South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow. As part of its commitment towards the development of the project, India has supplied 6 mobile harbour cranes, and other equipments worth $25 million.

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Announcement came on the day when India Central Asia working group met on Afghanistan. The group includes all the 5 countries of central Asia- Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan &amp; Uzbekistan, and this is the first time this group has met. After the meeting, a joint statement was also issued that called for inclusive govt in Kabul among other issues.

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India is all set to deliver humanitarian assistance consisting of wheat to "Afghan people" via the Chabahar port in Iran. The India built port has been in the past used to send assistance to Afghanistan, but this is for the first time since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that the Chabahar will be used to send assistance the landlocked country.

India is all set to deliver humanitarian assistance consisting of wheat to "Afghan people" via the Chabahar port in Iran. The India built port has been in the past used to send assistance to Afghanistan, but this is for the first time since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that the Chabahar will be used to send assistance the landlocked country. A ministry of external affairs statement said, "to address the current humanitarian situation, Indian side announced its partnership with UNWFP for the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through the Chabahar Port.". India has utilized the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in 2020. Also Read | US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh Taliban has welcomed the development. Taliban's Suhail Shaheen told WION that, "We greatly appreciate the delivery of 20,000 MTs of wheat for Afghan people through Chabahar Port. Such humanitarian steps boost trust between the two countries which will lead to mutual positive relations." Last year India dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 40,000 MTs of wheat, 50 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID Vaccine, winter clothing and 28 tons of disaster relief assistance. This assistance was sent over land Pakistan. The humanitarian assistance comes even as India hasn't recognized the Taliban regime in Kabul but continues to have conversation with it. In June 2022, an Indian technical team was sent to Kabul to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Also Read | Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks: Paper An Indian company took over the operations of the port in December 2018. India has invested close to 85 plus million dollars development of the port which it sees as an important component of connectivity to its west--Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Plans are afoot to include the port in the North South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow. As part of its commitment towards the development of the project, India has supplied 6 mobile harbour cranes, and other equipments worth $25 million. Watch | Why is Estonia's election result important for Ukraine? Announcement came on the day when India Central Asia working group met on Afghanistan. The group includes all the 5 countries of central Asia- Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan & Uzbekistan, and this is the first time this group has met. After the meeting, a joint statement was also issued that called for inclusive govt in Kabul among other issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a first since Taliban takeover, India to deliver aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar port

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasised the strong economic relationship between the two nations in a speech at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Friday. He was addressing a gathering on the 44th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution and spotlighted the "golden gateway" that is Chabahar port.&nbsp;

"Chabahar port is considered as the golden gateway connecting the countries along the Indian Ocean to Central Asia and the Caucasus," Elahi said, adding that "connectivity has been and is another field of cooperation between Iran and India."&nbsp;

The Chabahar port in Iran is crucial to India's connectivity in the western direction and has previously been used to supply humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. India is developing the first phase of Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar and has provided six mobile harbour cranes to the port.&nbsp;

Since its inauguration in December 2018, the port has received cargo from several countries, including Russia, Brazil, Germany, Bangladesh, Thailand, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Australia.&nbsp;

"Although external pressures have caused problems in the trading ties between the two countries," Elahi stated, "We believe that India's strategic autonomy is still the biggest support for the continuation of this cooperation." Iran is eager to export oil to India, but US sanctions on Tehran have impeded free flow.&nbsp;

The Indian Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, was in attendance at the event and expressed support for strengthened economic ties between the two nations.&nbsp;

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Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasised the strong economic relationship between the two nations in a speech at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Friday.

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasised the strong economic relationship between the two nations in a speech at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Friday. He was addressing a gathering on the 44th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution and spotlighted the "golden gateway" that is Chabahar port. "Chabahar port is considered as the golden gateway connecting the countries along the Indian Ocean to Central Asia and the Caucasus," Elahi said, adding that "connectivity has been and is another field of cooperation between Iran and India." The Chabahar port in Iran is crucial to India's connectivity in the western direction and has previously been used to supply humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. India is developing the first phase of Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar and has provided six mobile harbour cranes to the port. Since its inauguration in December 2018, the port has received cargo from several countries, including Russia, Brazil, Germany, Bangladesh, Thailand, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Australia. "Although external pressures have caused problems in the trading ties between the two countries," Elahi stated, "We believe that India's strategic autonomy is still the biggest support for the continuation of this cooperation." Iran is eager to export oil to India, but US sanctions on Tehran have impeded free flow. The Indian Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, was in attendance at the event and expressed support for strengthened economic ties between the two nations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chabahar port is the golden gateway for connectivity, says Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan have backed the use&nbsp;of the India-built Chabahar port in Iran and said that it is ready to provide all the necessary "facilities".

A statement issued by the Taliban's foreign ministry "welcomed" the proposal to include&nbsp;Chabahar port in the North-South International Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow and passes via Iran and Azerbaijan. The statement highlighted that the regime stands "ready to provide all necessary protection and facilities in this regard."

India is developing the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar and has invested $85 million in the project as it provides larger connectivity across the region, especially to landlocked Central Asia. It has also supplied six Mobile Habour Cranes— with 140 tons and four 100 tons capacities—and other equipment worth $25 million.

The port has been used in the past for sending humanitarian consignments to Afghanistan. In 2020, India utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan.

Since December 2018, when Indian company India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the operations, the port has handled 215 vessels and 4 million tons of bulk and general cargo.

The Taliban’s comment on Chabahar port comes as it has been keen on Indian investment and revival of Indian infrastructure, and development projects in the country.

Taliban had also called for Indian investment in building a new Kabul city during a meeting between Afghanistan's minister for Urban Development and Housing (MUDH) Hamdullah Nomani and the head of India's technical team in the country, Bharat Kumar.

The Taliban’s statement came after the India-Central Asia National security advisors meet in Delhi this week, with a key focus on the situation in Afghanistan and connectivity.

The statement welcomed the meet and appreciated the joint communique of the meeting that expressed "support for a stable, peaceful, integrated and secure Afghanistan and the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.

The Taliban assured that it "remains committed and will not allow anyone to pose a threat to the region and the world from Afghanistan’s soil or to interfere in other’s internal affairs".

There have been concerns over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups, and India is concerned that Pakistan-based UN-designated terror groups like JeM, LeT may find space in the war-ravaged country.

Delhi hosted the first ever India- Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet on Tuesday. The meeting was one of the key outcomes of the India-Central Asia virtual summit that took place in January.

Taliban hoped that it will be invited to the next meeting which will take place in May 2023 in Kazakhstan where its presence "would help establish cooperation and confidence in security, prevention of human and drug trafficking, delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan, and particularly in the implementation of basic infrastructure projects."

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The Taliban regime in Afghanistan have backed the use of the India-built Chabahar port in Iran and said that it is ready to provide all the necessary "facilities".

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan have backed the use of the India-built Chabahar port in Iran and said that it is ready to provide all the necessary "facilities". A statement issued by the Taliban's foreign ministry "welcomed" the proposal to include Chabahar port in the North-South International Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow and passes via Iran and Azerbaijan. The statement highlighted that the regime stands "ready to provide all necessary protection and facilities in this regard." India is developing the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar and has invested $85 million in the project as it provides larger connectivity across the region, especially to landlocked Central Asia. It has also supplied six Mobile Habour Cranes— with 140 tons and four 100 tons capacities—and other equipment worth $25 million. The port has been used in the past for sending humanitarian consignments to Afghanistan. In 2020, India utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan. Since December 2018, when Indian company India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the operations, the port has handled 215 vessels and 4 million tons of bulk and general cargo. The Taliban’s comment on Chabahar port comes as it has been keen on Indian investment and revival of Indian infrastructure, and development projects in the country. Taliban had also called for Indian investment in building a new Kabul city during a meeting between Afghanistan's minister for Urban Development and Housing (MUDH) Hamdullah Nomani and the head of India's technical team in the country, Bharat Kumar. The Taliban’s statement came after the India-Central Asia National security advisors meet in Delhi this week, with a key focus on the situation in Afghanistan and connectivity. The statement welcomed the meet and appreciated the joint communique of the meeting that expressed "support for a stable, peaceful, integrated and secure Afghanistan and the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. The Taliban assured that it "remains committed and will not allow anyone to pose a threat to the region and the world from Afghanistan’s soil or to interfere in other’s internal affairs". There have been concerns over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups, and India is concerned that Pakistan-based UN-designated terror groups like JeM, LeT may find space in the war-ravaged country. Delhi hosted the first ever India- Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet on Tuesday. The meeting was one of the key outcomes of the India-Central Asia virtual summit that took place in January. Taliban hoped that it will be invited to the next meeting which will take place in May 2023 in Kazakhstan where its presence "would help establish cooperation and confidence in security, prevention of human and drug trafficking, delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan, and particularly in the implementation of basic infrastructure projects." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taliban back usage of India-built Chabahar port, say ‘ready to provide facilities

With key focus on the Chabahar port project and connectivity, &nbsp;Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari is on a 2-day India visit starting Monday. The visit comes even as focus is on increasing economic engagement between the two&nbsp;countries. It is not known so far that will the issue of import of Iranian oil will be discussed during talks in Delhi. India is currently not buying crude oil from Iran after American sanction in 2019 announced by then US President Trump.

A few weeks ago, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar made an interesting comment on sanctions on Iran oil vis a vis India importing oil from Russia. Speaking at an event in Slovakia, he said, "If countries in Europe, the west and the US are so concerned why don't they allow Iranian, and Venezuelan oil to come into the market. I mean they have squeezed every other source of oil we have and then say oky guys you should not go into the market and get the best oil for your people. I don't think that is fair".

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On the connectivity front, India is developing the first&nbsp;phase of Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar. The capacity of the port will reach 8.5 MT at the end of the first phase. During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tehran in May 2016, the contract on the Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar was signed which comprises of investment of $85 million for procuring equipment of the port. The port has been key to India's connectivity to Afghanistan and central Asia. In the past India has sent wheat to Afghanistan via the port.

Important to know, Mehdi Safari has proposed use of single currency for Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO member states. Tehran sent letter to the grouping suggesting this measure so at to break US Dollar's hegemony. Iran is expected to soon become a full member of the grouping and got a unanimous support at last year's SCO Summit for its bid.

This is the secnd high-level visit from the Iranian foreign ministry in last 15 days to India. The visit of Deputy FM Mehdi comes even as last week saw a 4-day visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian to India in which he held talks with PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar and NSA Doval in Delhi with visits to Mumbai and Hyderabad as well.

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With key focus on the Chabahar port project and connectivity, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari is on a 2-day India visit starting Monday.

With key focus on the Chabahar port project and connectivity, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari is on a 2-day India visit starting Monday. The visit comes even as focus is on increasing economic engagement between the two countries. It is not known so far that will the issue of import of Iranian oil will be discussed during talks in Delhi. India is currently not buying crude oil from Iran after American sanction in 2019 announced by then US President Trump. A few weeks ago, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar made an interesting comment on sanctions on Iran oil vis a vis India importing oil from Russia. Speaking at an event in Slovakia, he said, "If countries in Europe, the west and the US are so concerned why don't they allow Iranian, and Venezuelan oil to come into the market. I mean they have squeezed every other source of oil we have and then say oky guys you should not go into the market and get the best oil for your people. I don't think that is fair". On the connectivity front, India is developing the first phase of Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar. The capacity of the port will reach 8.5 MT at the end of the first phase. During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tehran in May 2016, the contract on the Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar was signed which comprises of investment of $85 million for procuring equipment of the port. The port has been key to India's connectivity to Afghanistan and central Asia. In the past India has sent wheat to Afghanistan via the port. Important to know, Mehdi Safari has proposed use of single currency for Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO member states. Tehran sent letter to the grouping suggesting this measure so at to break US Dollar's hegemony. Iran is expected to soon become a full member of the grouping and got a unanimous support at last year's SCO Summit for its bid. This is the secnd high-level visit from the Iranian foreign ministry in last 15 days to India. The visit of Deputy FM Mehdi comes even as last week saw a 4-day visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian to India in which he held talks with PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar and NSA Doval in Delhi with visits to Mumbai and Hyderabad as well. Watch WION's live TV here:

With Chabahar in focus, Iran Deputy FM for economics Mehdi on India visit

The envoy of the Kyrgyz Republic Asein Isaev has said that India and Iran are working to prove central Asian countries "own part" in the Chabahar port with an aim to smoothen the transport of goods. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Isaev said, "If we going to use Chabahar port, the duration of delivery of good from India to Kyrgyzstan will be just 2 weeks from the current 30 or 45 days using different ports".

Central Asian Countries to get stake in Chabahar port, says Kyrgyz Republic Envoy Isaev | Exclusive

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

“India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said.

Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”.

“We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said.

The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country.

During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”.

Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. &nbsp;India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.

Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project.

Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.”

While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned&nbsp;about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties.

Reaching out to India for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan on August 15, the head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, has termed New Delhi an “important country” and called for maintaining good diplomatic and economic ties. In his 45-minute-long speech in Pashto, Stanikzai touched upon several subjects like the formation of an inclusive government and maintaining ties with regional countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. “India is a very important country in the subcontinent. We want to continue our economic and diplomatic relations with them. Our business is linked with India through Pakistan, and we want to keep that connectivity opened,” he said. Outlining the Taliban’s plan for boosting trading ties with India, Stanikzai said the air freight corridor, which was established in 2017 to promote bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kabul bypassing Pakistan, would remain “open”. “We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard. We want these relations to continue,” Stanikzai said. The India-Afghanistan air corridor has borne fruits for the restive country as it opened the market for their products in India. It has been one of the most lucrative air corridors Afghanistan has had with any other country. During his speech, he also mentioned about the role of Chabahar port in Iran and extended his support for it. He said the traders should use the port, adding “there will be no barriers towards for trading through the port”. Chabahar port has been one of the key investments for India's westwards connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. India sees the port as the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. Stanikzai also mentioned the TAPI project— a proposed pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—and said that the Taliban place high importance on this project. Speaking on the government formation, the Taliban leader said consultations are on with different ethnic groups and the group is “committed to forming an Islamic government in which all people from different walks of life will be included.” While several Taliban spokespersons—Zabiullah Mujahid and Suhail Shaheen—have mentioned about maintaining ties with India in the past, this is the first time that a top Taliban leader commander has come out in the open about forging relations with New Delhi.

Taliban leader Stanikzai bats for good ties with India, extends support to Chabahar port

India, Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan are likely to hold a meeting under a quadrilateral framework later this year on the joint use of the Chabahar port, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

India also has proposed to include the port in the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing.

At a connectivity conference in Tashkent two weeks back, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar projected Iran''s Chabahar port as a key regional transit hub including to Afghanistan.

Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being increasingly seen as a fulcrum of connectivity to Central Asia.

The port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade ties among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi. It can be easily accessed from India''s western coast, bypassing Pakistan.

Referring to Jaishankar''s remarks at the conference, Bagchi said he highlighted that India has taken practical steps since 2016 to operationalise the Chabahar port and that its "efficacy is now clearly proven".

"India has proposed to include the port in the framework of International North-South Transport Corridor and has welcomed the formation of India-Uzbekistan-Iran-Afghanistan Quadrilateral Working Group on the joint use of Chabahar port," the spokesperson said.

"The meeting is likely to take place in later half of this year. Since December 2018, Chabahar port has handled 134 vessels, 14258 TEUs of containers and more than 2.08 million metric tons of bulk and general cargo," he said.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

India, Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan are likely to hold a meeting under a quadrilateral framework later this year on the joint use of the Chabahar port, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

India, Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan are likely to hold a meeting under a quadrilateral framework later this year on the joint use of the Chabahar port, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. India also has proposed to include the port in the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing. At a connectivity conference in Tashkent two weeks back, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar projected Iran''s Chabahar port as a key regional transit hub including to Afghanistan. Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being increasingly seen as a fulcrum of connectivity to Central Asia. The port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade ties among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi. It can be easily accessed from India''s western coast, bypassing Pakistan. Referring to Jaishankar''s remarks at the conference, Bagchi said he highlighted that India has taken practical steps since 2016 to operationalise the Chabahar port and that its "efficacy is now clearly proven". "India has proposed to include the port in the framework of International North-South Transport Corridor and has welcomed the formation of India-Uzbekistan-Iran-Afghanistan Quadrilateral Working Group on the joint use of Chabahar port," the spokesperson said. "The meeting is likely to take place in later half of this year. Since December 2018, Chabahar port has handled 134 vessels, 14258 TEUs of containers and more than 2.08 million metric tons of bulk and general cargo," he said. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

Quadrilateral working group on use of Chabahar port likely to meet later this year: MEA

Five&nbsp;Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government&nbsp;for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two&nbsp;years now.

The Indian citizens&nbsp;— Aniket Sham Yenpure, Mandar Milind Worlikar from Mumbai, Naveen Singh from Uttarakhand, Pranav Kumar from Bihar, and Thamizhselvan Rengasamy from Tamil Nadu — were arrested in connection with a narcotics case, only to be released after a local court in Chabahar found them innocent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-consulate-in-city-still-open-says-kandahar-governors-spokesman-397532" hreflang="en">Indian consulate in city still open, says Kandahar governor's&nbsp;spokesman</a>

They spent 403 days in Chabahar Central Jail and were released from prison on March 09 but have not been handed back their passports.

Indian world forum President Puneet Singh has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their behalf seeking help. He also highlighted that they were duped by recruiters. Highlighting that "these seafarers belonging to lower middle class families have not only been duped by their respective recruitment and placement services agents in India" who in "collusion with their international partners promised them hefty pay jobs in Gulf", &nbsp;Puneet explained that "each of them has been extorted to the tune of Rs 500,000 as charges towards arranging overseas employment."

The agent had assured them of employment with shipping companies in UAE but was diverted mid-way to Iran without being given any remunerations. The five Indians are between the age group of 30 to 22. It is understood that after the letter, Prime Minister's office has taken cognizance of the development.

Five Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two years now.

Five Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two years now. The Indian citizens — Aniket Sham Yenpure, Mandar Milind Worlikar from Mumbai, Naveen Singh from Uttarakhand, Pranav Kumar from Bihar, and Thamizhselvan Rengasamy from Tamil Nadu — were arrested in connection with a narcotics case, only to be released after a local court in Chabahar found them innocent. Also read | Indian consulate in city still open, says Kandahar governor's spokesman They spent 403 days in Chabahar Central Jail and were released from prison on March 09 but have not been handed back their passports. Indian world forum President Puneet Singh has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their behalf seeking help. He also highlighted that they were duped by recruiters. Highlighting that "these seafarers belonging to lower middle class families have not only been duped by their respective recruitment and placement services agents in India" who in "collusion with their international partners promised them hefty pay jobs in Gulf", Puneet explained that "each of them has been extorted to the tune of Rs 500,000 as charges towards arranging overseas employment." The agent had assured them of employment with shipping companies in UAE but was diverted mid-way to Iran without being given any remunerations. The five Indians are between the age group of 30 to 22. It is understood that after the letter, Prime Minister's office has taken cognizance of the development.

Indians stranded in Iran's Chabahar seek govt help for repatriation

Backing India-developed Chabahar port's role as central to "development and prosperity" in the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said that the port is not against China or Pakistan's port Gwadar.

Gwadar is key to China's mega infrastructure project the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and provides connectivity to China's westernmost region to the Arabian Sea and West Asia. Gwadar is just 170 km away from Chabahar port.

Zarif, speaking at a virtual event, said, "We have made very clear to our Indian, Chinese friends that Chabahar is open for cooperation for everybody. Chabahar is not against China, is not against Gwadar. Chabahar is a place where we can all come together in order to help Afghanistan, help development and prosperity in the region."

He explained, "India is playing an active role in Chabahar. Chinese are interested in playing an active role elsewhere in Iran and also in Chabahar".

New Delhi is helping develop the Iranian port which has been playing an important role in connecting India with Afghanistan. Last year, India sent 75000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via the port to deal with any food scarcity that arose from the pandemic.&nbsp;

Highlighting the benefits of the port to Afghanistan, the Iranian foreign minister said, "If we provide Afghanistan transit opportunities through Chabahar, through elsewhere, to the international market...the unofficial economy will go away. That economy gives rise to drug trafficking, human trafficking."

Earlier this year, India sent four cranes for the port operations. Two more will be sent soon. The port is getting more interest, especially from central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

On the Afghan peace process and the issue of terror, the Iranian foreign minister said, "All of us have shared interest, share threats in Afghanistan. I think all of us need a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. An Afghanistan where terrorists have the freedom to operate is a threat to Iran, India, Pakistan, China, Central Asia, Russia, and a threat to the world. We have seen that in 2001, we have seen that in the murder of PM Benazir Bhutto".

Iran has been engaging with the Taliban in the Afghan peace process. &nbsp;On the Taliban, and its role in the peace process,, Zarif said, "An Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan is an existential threat to Pakistan, national security threat to Iran and India. We have a similar area of common interest with our Pakistani friends, similarly with Tajik, Uzbek friends who are threatened by extremism."

He pointed that Tehran has had a "frank and open discussion with the Taliban" and his govt has told them that "it is a very different society, the different situation...we need to preserve what was achieved in Afghanistan, we cannot create a vacuum".

"A vacuum doesn't help the people of Afghanistan, it only draws in fighting, violence, civil war. We need to have a continuity," he added.

Backing India-developed Chabahar port's role as central to "development and prosperity" in the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said that the port is not against China or Pakistan's port Gwadar.

Backing India-developed Chabahar port's role as central to "development and prosperity" in the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said that the port is not against China or Pakistan's port Gwadar. Gwadar is key to China's mega infrastructure project the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and provides connectivity to China's westernmost region to the Arabian Sea and West Asia. Gwadar is just 170 km away from Chabahar port. Zarif, speaking at a virtual event, said, "We have made very clear to our Indian, Chinese friends that Chabahar is open for cooperation for everybody. Chabahar is not against China, is not against Gwadar. Chabahar is a place where we can all come together in order to help Afghanistan, help development and prosperity in the region." He explained, "India is playing an active role in Chabahar. Chinese are interested in playing an active role elsewhere in Iran and also in Chabahar". New Delhi is helping develop the Iranian port which has been playing an important role in connecting India with Afghanistan. Last year, India sent 75000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via the port to deal with any food scarcity that arose from the pandemic. Highlighting the benefits of the port to Afghanistan, the Iranian foreign minister said, "If we provide Afghanistan transit opportunities through Chabahar, through elsewhere, to the international market...the unofficial economy will go away. That economy gives rise to drug trafficking, human trafficking." Earlier this year, India sent four cranes for the port operations. Two more will be sent soon. The port is getting more interest, especially from central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. On the Afghan peace process and the issue of terror, the Iranian foreign minister said, "All of us have shared interest, share threats in Afghanistan. I think all of us need a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. An Afghanistan where terrorists have the freedom to operate is a threat to Iran, India, Pakistan, China, Central Asia, Russia, and a threat to the world. We have seen that in 2001, we have seen that in the murder of PM Benazir Bhutto". Iran has been engaging with the Taliban in the Afghan peace process. On the Taliban, and its role in the peace process,, Zarif said, "An Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan is an existential threat to Pakistan, national security threat to Iran and India. We have a similar area of common interest with our Pakistani friends, similarly with Tajik, Uzbek friends who are threatened by extremism." He pointed that Tehran has had a "frank and open discussion with the Taliban" and his govt has told them that "it is a very different society, the different situation...we need to preserve what was achieved in Afghanistan, we cannot create a vacuum". "A vacuum doesn't help the people of Afghanistan, it only draws in fighting, violence, civil war. We need to have a continuity," he added.

Chabahar is not against China, Gwadar: Iranian foreign minister 

After a brief halt, India accelerated the work on Chabahar Port early this year and the strategic Iranian port is expected to be operational by next month, a Congressional report has said.

In 2015, India agreed to help develop Iran's Chabahar Port and an associated railway that would enable India to trade with Afghanistan unimpeded by Pakistan, the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its latest report for the members of the US Congress.

Prepared for the lawmakers for them to make an informed decision, the report, running into nearly 100 pages, said that in May 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran and signed an agreement to invest USD 500 million to develop the port and related infrastructure.

Even though the Trump administration gave India the "Afghanistan reconstruction" exception from its punitive Iranian sanctions, India largely stopped work on the project until late 2020.

"It accelerated work in early 2021 and the port is expected to be declared operational no later than May 2021," said the CRS report.

CRS reports are prepared by experts and are not considered the official report of the US Congress.

Iran's economy is highly integrated into those of its immediate neighbours in South Asia, it said, adding that India cites the UN Security Council resolutions as its guideline for policy towards Iran.

During 2011-2016, when UN sanctions were in force on Iran, India's central bank ceased using a Tehran-based regional body, the Asian Clearing Union, to handle transactions with Iran, and the two countries agreed to settle half of India's oil buys from Iran in Indian currency.

India reduced its imports of Iranian oil substantially after 2011, but, after the sanctions were eased in 2016, India's oil imports from Iran increased to as much as 800,000 BPD in July 2018 - well above 2011 levels.

India paid Iran the USD 6.5 billion it owed for oil purchased during 2012-2016. India has not imported Iranian oil since May 2019.

The CRS said Iran's economic relations with Pakistan are less extensive than are its economic ties with India.

One test of Pakistan's compliance with the sanctions was a pipeline project that would carry Iranian gas to Pakistan - a USD 7 billion project that US officials on several occasions stated would be subject to ISA sanctions.

Iran reportedly completed the pipeline on its side of the border but, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's visit to Pakistan in March 2016, Pakistan did not commit to complete the line. In 2009, India dissociated itself from the project, it said.

After a brief halt, India accelerated the work on Chabahar Port early this year and the strategic Iranian port is expected to be operational by next month, a Congressional report has said.

After a brief halt, India accelerated the work on Chabahar Port early this year and the strategic Iranian port is expected to be operational by next month, a Congressional report has said. In 2015, India agreed to help develop Iran's Chabahar Port and an associated railway that would enable India to trade with Afghanistan unimpeded by Pakistan, the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its latest report for the members of the US Congress. Prepared for the lawmakers for them to make an informed decision, the report, running into nearly 100 pages, said that in May 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran and signed an agreement to invest USD 500 million to develop the port and related infrastructure. Even though the Trump administration gave India the "Afghanistan reconstruction" exception from its punitive Iranian sanctions, India largely stopped work on the project until late 2020. "It accelerated work in early 2021 and the port is expected to be declared operational no later than May 2021," said the CRS report. CRS reports are prepared by experts and are not considered the official report of the US Congress. Iran's economy is highly integrated into those of its immediate neighbours in South Asia, it said, adding that India cites the UN Security Council resolutions as its guideline for policy towards Iran. During 2011-2016, when UN sanctions were in force on Iran, India's central bank ceased using a Tehran-based regional body, the Asian Clearing Union, to handle transactions with Iran, and the two countries agreed to settle half of India's oil buys from Iran in Indian currency. India reduced its imports of Iranian oil substantially after 2011, but, after the sanctions were eased in 2016, India's oil imports from Iran increased to as much as 800,000 BPD in July 2018 - well above 2011 levels. India paid Iran the USD 6.5 billion it owed for oil purchased during 2012-2016. India has not imported Iranian oil since May 2019. The CRS said Iran's economic relations with Pakistan are less extensive than are its economic ties with India. One test of Pakistan's compliance with the sanctions was a pipeline project that would carry Iranian gas to Pakistan - a USD 7 billion project that US officials on several occasions stated would be subject to ISA sanctions. Iran reportedly completed the pipeline on its side of the border but, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's visit to Pakistan in March 2016, Pakistan did not commit to complete the line. In 2009, India dissociated itself from the project, it said.

Iran's Chabahar port likely ready by May as India speeds up work: US report

India has proposed the inclusion of the key Chabahar port in the mega&nbsp;International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai with Moscow.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Speaking at "Chabahar day" hosted by India on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route. I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project."

Chabahar is key to India's connectivity towards its west, providing routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia while&nbsp;North-South Transport Corridor&nbsp;made up of rail, shipping, and road route currently passes via cities like Bandar Abbad, Bandar Anzali, Tehran in Iran, Baku in Azerbaijan and Astrakhan in Russia.

More than 10 countries are part of the corridor, with more countries keen to join it.&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;and Afghanistan, both landlocked countries, are keen on joining the connectivity project. Uzbekistan had proposed joining the project during the India-Uzbekistan virtual summit last year.

Highlighting Chabahar's role in connectivity, Jaishankar said it "has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability, and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan."&nbsp;

Last year amid the pandemic, India had used the Chabahar port to send 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan and&nbsp;25 MT of the pesticide Malathion to Iran to deal with locust invasion.

Minister of State for Ports,&nbsp;Mansukh Mandaviya, whose ministry coordinated the maritime summit said, "Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan, to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistic cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor."

&nbsp;

Ministers from six countries -- Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan&nbsp;and Uzbekistan -- took part in the "Chabahar day".&nbsp;

Transport Minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure Minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich were present at the day-long virtual meet.&nbsp;

India has proposed the inclusion of the key Chabahar port in the mega International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai with Moscow. Speaking at "Chabahar day" hosted by India on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route.

India has proposed the inclusion of the key Chabahar port in the mega International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai with Moscow. Speaking at "Chabahar day" hosted by India on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route. I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project." Chabahar is key to India's connectivity towards its west, providing routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia while North-South Transport Corridor made up of rail, shipping, and road route currently passes via cities like Bandar Abbad, Bandar Anzali, Tehran in Iran, Baku in Azerbaijan and Astrakhan in Russia. More than 10 countries are part of the corridor, with more countries keen to join it. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, both landlocked countries, are keen on joining the connectivity project. Uzbekistan had proposed joining the project during the India-Uzbekistan virtual summit last year. Highlighting Chabahar's role in connectivity, Jaishankar said it "has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability, and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan." Last year amid the pandemic, India had used the Chabahar port to send 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan and 25 MT of the pesticide Malathion to Iran to deal with locust invasion. Minister of State for Ports, Mansukh Mandaviya, whose ministry coordinated the maritime summit said, "Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan, to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistic cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor." Ministers from six countries -- Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan -- took part in the "Chabahar day". Transport Minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure Minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich were present at the day-long virtual meet.

India proposes inclusion of Chabahar port in North-South Transport Corridor........

India proposes inclusion of Chabahar port in North-South Transport Corridor

India will send four cranes to Iran for Chabahar port by June. Out of these, two will be sent in March and remaining two later.&nbsp;

Two cranes have already been sent in the month of January.

Sanjay Bandyopadhyay, Additional Secretary at India's Ministry of Shipping said, "Recently, we sent two mobile harbour cranes to the Chabahar port. In March, two more cranes will be sent. They are ready to be loaded to the ship near Venice. Two more will reach by June end.

"There are plans to procure more rail-mounted gantry cranes/rail-mounted cranes, for which bidding is going on, and this infrastructure is presently sufficient for the operation of the port. As it picks up for products, cargos going to Afghanistan and beyond, we will add more infrastructure."

India will host Maritime India Summit from March 2 to 4. The summit will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Russia and Uzbekistan will participate. More than 1 lakh registrations have taken place for the summit.&nbsp;

Bandyopadhyay said, "Chabahar has been a very ambitious project of the country. We have sent consignments of wheat and pesticides as required by Afghanistan."

At present, there are eight cranes at the port and four lifters.&nbsp;

Chabahar is key to India's westwards connectivity -- providing connectivity to Afghanistan and beyond.&nbsp;

Chabahar is also key to the International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow and reduces the distance between the location by 40 per cent and cost by 30 per cent.

India will send four cranes to Iran for Chabahar port by June. Out of these, two will be sent in March and remaining two later. Two cranes have already been sent in the month of January.

India will send four cranes to Iran for Chabahar port by June. Out of these, two will be sent in March and remaining two later. Two cranes have already been sent in the month of January. Sanjay Bandyopadhyay, Additional Secretary at India's Ministry of Shipping said, "Recently, we sent two mobile harbour cranes to the Chabahar port. In March, two more cranes will be sent. They are ready to be loaded to the ship near Venice. Two more will reach by June end. "There are plans to procure more rail-mounted gantry cranes/rail-mounted cranes, for which bidding is going on, and this infrastructure is presently sufficient for the operation of the port. As it picks up for products, cargos going to Afghanistan and beyond, we will add more infrastructure." India will host Maritime India Summit from March 2 to 4. The summit will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Russia and Uzbekistan will participate. More than 1 lakh registrations have taken place for the summit. Bandyopadhyay said, "Chabahar has been a very ambitious project of the country. We have sent consignments of wheat and pesticides as required by Afghanistan." At present, there are eight cranes at the port and four lifters. Chabahar is key to India's westwards connectivity -- providing connectivity to Afghanistan and beyond. Chabahar is also key to the International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow and reduces the distance between the location by 40 per cent and cost by 30 per cent.

India to send four more cranes to Iran for Chabahar port by June

India has reaffirmed its commitment to the Chabahar-Zahedan railway project, saying it is engaged in the project that will connect the port to the border city. Zahedan, capital of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, is a border town and can become a gateway to Afghanistan with the railway connectivity project,

Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan, in response to a question in Lok Sabha, said, "India and Iran remain engaged on the modalities of implementation of Chabahar-Zahedan railway project, and other development projects in Iran."

The MoU for the railway project was signed in 2016 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country. The MoU was signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC -Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company.

In the month of November last year, Iran started laying the tracks for the project from the Chabahar side. Work on laying tracks from Zahedan began in July. The total length of the railway is 628 km. India has been strongly backing the development of the Chabahar port project as a means of increasing connectivity with Afghanistan and the Central Asian region.&nbsp;

New Delhi is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, India handed two 140 tonne mobile harbour cranes. 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 has reaffirmed its commitment to the Chabahar-Zahedan railway project, saying it is engaged in the project that will connect the port to the border city. Zahedan, capital of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, is a border town and can become a gateway to Afghanistan with the railway connectivity project, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan, in response to a question in Lok Sabha, said, "India and Iran remain engaged on the modalities of implementation of Chabahar-Zahedan railway project, and other development projects in Iran.

India has reaffirmed its commitment to the Chabahar-Zahedan railway project, saying it is engaged in the project that will connect the port to the border city. Zahedan, capital of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, is a border town and can become a gateway to Afghanistan with the railway connectivity project, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan, in response to a question in Lok Sabha, said, "India and Iran remain engaged on the modalities of implementation of Chabahar-Zahedan railway project, and other development projects in Iran." The MoU for the railway project was signed in 2016 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country. The MoU was signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC -Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company. In the month of November last year, Iran started laying the tracks for the project from the Chabahar side. Work on laying tracks from Zahedan began in July. The total length of the railway is 628 km. India has been strongly backing the development of the Chabahar port project as a means of increasing connectivity with Afghanistan and the Central Asian region. New Delhi is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. Over the weekend, India handed two 140 tonne mobile harbour cranes. 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.

Engaged on Chabahar-Zahedan rail project, India says

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>

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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

Kazakhstan has backed the use of Chabahar&nbsp;port, with its envoy saying by June of this year, a link will be established that will connect the country via the Caspian sea. Speaking exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy&nbsp;Yerlan Alimbayev 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"

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, bordering the Aral and Caspian seas, both of which are inland seas with no access to oceans.&nbsp;The comments by the envoy come even as India is keen that the port expands India's connection not only to Afghanistan but to the wider Central Asian region. Last month India, Uzbekistan, and Iran had a trilateral talk on the use of the port. The trilateral talk has been expanded with India set to Invite Afghanistan as well.

The Kazakh envoy also spoke on the upcoming parliamentary elections in his country. In October of 2021, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree setting the date for the elections to the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan to be held on 10th January.&nbsp;

WION: Elections are going to happen in your country. If you can give some details.

Yerlan Alimbayev:&nbsp;We will have the parliamentary elections on January 10, 2021, to the lower chamber of the Parliament of Kazakhstan --Majlis. Given in the situation, we are having the elections after new political reforms conducted by the first president then taken by our President. So far, we have five&nbsp;parties participating in the elections. And we are expecting the results the next day on 11. Some papers/voting will be brought from abroad. So final results by 12 January.

WION: Will Indian observers also be present?

Yerlan Alimbayev:&nbsp;Our election commission sent an invitation to the election commission of India but due to the pandemic and absence of direct flight they could not make it. They sent, the election commission of India sent a letter explaining this. Within the framework of the Shanghai cooperation organization, we have some Indian observers.

WION: How have the ties been between the two&nbsp;countries? We know a number of high-level visits are being planned...including of the Kazakh President.

Yerlan Alimbayev:&nbsp;We have some highest- and high-level visits postponed from 2020. The visit of Lok Sabha speaker to Kazakhstan, visit of high-level Parliament delegation from Kazakhstan to India. We expect this to happen this year. We have this year, some high-level meetings between the ministries. We have the 14th intergovernmental commission meeting--by the minister of trade of Kazakhstan and from India, minister of petroleum and gas. We have several joint working groups headed by ministers. For example, on trade and economy, transport, and logistics. We have a special working group on pharmacy, on military-technical cooperation. All these events were postponed in 2020, so we will have them this year.

WION: How keen is Kazakhstan on the Chabahar port project?

Yerlan Alimbayev: 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 and hopefully, as set by the transport ministry of Iran, it will be done, finish by June of this year. A small part of the connection will be done by Zahedan--Babar Abbas which will be done to the Caspian seaport of Iran. From that place, Kazakhstan will be part of the North-South International transport corridor. So we already part of NSITC. India, during the virtual summit with Uzbekistan, invited to join that. Chabahar is part of it. Kazakhstan is the east part of NSITC. As a country, being the biggest trade partner of India in Central Asia, we are in a position to support any kind of communication links to make our trade and people-to-people contact much easier and wider.

WION: So, will it be right to say, we will join the project by year-end?

Yerlan Alimbayev: Yes, we are already part of Chabahar.&nbsp; It's a process. My minister of foreign affairs mentioned last year that, even before in 2019 that Chabahar port is the most appropriate connecting point if logistic companies, trade partners from India, and other countries hesitate to use Bander Abbas due to restrictions, Chabahar is the best option. We are continuously talking about the use of Chabahar since 2015 and Kazakhstan announced and proposed a consortium for use of the port. In 2017 we had a joint meeting between Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, India, and Kazakhstan for use of the Chabahar port. Finally, it is coming to a realization and we will have it with India Uzbekistan having a working group with Iran. Kazakhstan is much eager to be part of it.

WION: Amid the COVID crisis, how have both the countries continued talks. Also any talks on COVID vaccine?

Yerlan Alimbayev: Despite the pandemic, we had several bilateral events. Our foreign ministers met in Moscow, they had also virtual meet within the framework of the India Central Asia Dialogue. We have several cultural events online, we have joined several meetings. We have lost 2000 people due to covid. We are developing our own vaccines. Three&nbsp;vaccines are on the way, two&nbsp;of them under trial. We are working with our partner Russia, and Pfizer. With India, we are ready and open to discuss but it is up to India. As you know yesterday, it was announced India will not allow the export of vaccines till April. We are open and we can discuss with the Indian government.

&nbsp;

Kazakhstan has backed the use of Chabahar port, with its envoy saying by June of this year, a link will be established that will connect the country via the Caspian sea.

Kazakhstan has backed the use of Chabahar port, with its envoy saying by June of this year, a link will be established that will connect the country via the Caspian sea. Speaking exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev 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" Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, bordering the Aral and Caspian seas, both of which are inland seas with no access to oceans. The comments by the envoy come even as India is keen that the port expands India's connection not only to Afghanistan but to the wider Central Asian region. Last month India, Uzbekistan, and Iran had a trilateral talk on the use of the port. The trilateral talk has been expanded with India set to Invite Afghanistan as well. The Kazakh envoy also spoke on the upcoming parliamentary elections in his country. In October of 2021, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree setting the date for the elections to the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan to be held on 10th January. WION: Elections are going to happen in your country. If you can give some details. Yerlan Alimbayev: We will have the parliamentary elections on January 10, 2021, to the lower chamber of the Parliament of Kazakhstan --Majlis. Given in the situation, we are having the elections after new political reforms conducted by the first president then taken by our President. So far, we have five parties participating in the elections. And we are expecting the results the next day on 11. Some papers/voting will be brought from abroad. So final results by 12 January. WION: Will Indian observers also be present? Yerlan Alimbayev: Our election commission sent an invitation to the election commission of India but due to the pandemic and absence of direct flight they could not make it. They sent, the election commission of India sent a letter explaining this. Within the framework of the Shanghai cooperation organization, we have some Indian observers. WION: How have the ties been between the two countries? We know a number of high-level visits are being planned...including of the Kazakh President. Yerlan Alimbayev: We have some highest- and high-level visits postponed from 2020. The visit of Lok Sabha speaker to Kazakhstan, visit of high-level Parliament delegation from Kazakhstan to India. We expect this to happen this year. We have this year, some high-level meetings between the ministries. We have the 14th intergovernmental commission meeting--by the minister of trade of Kazakhstan and from India, minister of petroleum and gas. We have several joint working groups headed by ministers. For example, on trade and economy, transport, and logistics. We have a special working group on pharmacy, on military-technical cooperation. All these events were postponed in 2020, so we will have them this year. WION: How keen is Kazakhstan on the Chabahar port project? Yerlan Alimbayev: 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 and hopefully, as set by the transport ministry of Iran, it will be done, finish by June of this year. A small part of the connection will be done by Zahedan--Babar Abbas which will be done to the Caspian seaport of Iran. From that place, Kazakhstan will be part of the North-South International transport corridor. So we already part of NSITC. India, during the virtual summit with Uzbekistan, invited to join that. Chabahar is part of it. Kazakhstan is the east part of NSITC. As a country, being the biggest trade partner of India in Central Asia, we are in a position to support any kind of communication links to make our trade and people-to-people contact much easier and wider. WION: So, will it be right to say, we will join the project by year-end? Yerlan Alimbayev: Yes, we are already part of Chabahar. It's a process. My minister of foreign affairs mentioned last year that, even before in 2019 that Chabahar port is the most appropriate connecting point if logistic companies, trade partners from India, and other countries hesitate to use Bander Abbas due to restrictions, Chabahar is the best option. We are continuously talking about the use of Chabahar since 2015 and Kazakhstan announced and proposed a consortium for use of the port. In 2017 we had a joint meeting between Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, India, and Kazakhstan for use of the Chabahar port. Finally, it is coming to a realization and we will have it with India Uzbekistan having a working group with Iran. Kazakhstan is much eager to be part of it. WION: Amid the COVID crisis, how have both the countries continued talks. Also any talks on COVID vaccine? Yerlan Alimbayev: Despite the pandemic, we had several bilateral events. Our foreign ministers met in Moscow, they had also virtual meet within the framework of the India Central Asia Dialogue. We have several cultural events online, we have joined several meetings. We have lost 2000 people due to covid. We are developing our own vaccines. Three vaccines are on the way, two of them under trial. We are working with our partner Russia, and Pfizer. With India, we are ready and open to discuss but it is up to India. As you know yesterday, it was announced India will not allow the export of vaccines till April. We are open and we can discuss with the Indian government.

Kazakhstan bats for Chabahar port; envoy says process underway for use via Caspian sea

India's envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat has said that Chabahar can become a "fulcrum of transit" between India and Central Asia. The comments of the envoy come even as India, Uzbekistan, and Iran held the first trilateral talks on the use of the Chabahar project in Iran.

Speaking to WION's&nbsp;principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Uzbekistan capital Tashkent, the envoy said, "While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port."

India built the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar as part of the India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond to central Asia. &nbsp;The Indian envoy spoke on the recent India-Uzbekistan virtual summit, pointing out that it was, "India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. "

During the virtual summit, the first with any central Asian country, New Delhi approved 448 million lines of credit for four projects developmental projects in the country--two in road construction and one each in sewerage treatment and information technology.

WION: Key outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan virtual meet. While it was the seventh&nbsp;such virtual summit, it was the first such virtual summit with a central Asian country. Why Uzbekistan was chosen for the first such meet in that region?

Manish Prabhat: India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership has grown by leaps and bound thanks to the regular exchanges of VVIP visits in the last few years. Prime Minister visited Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s first visit to India took place in October 2018 and soon after he visited again in January 2019 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.&nbsp;

This year Prime Minister’s visit to Uzbekistan was on cards. However, in the situation of the ongoing pandemic, the visit was not possible. It was decided to hold a virtual summit between the two leaders to continue the momentum of our exchanges. Indeed, it became India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. Both sides were very satisfied with the results of the summit. The state of bilateral relations is excellent.

Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers have met and are working on a range of issues. Our multilateral cooperation in the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and in the India-Central Asia Dialogue format is set to further strengthen. Our positions on important issues like terrorism and Afghanistan are similar. India’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2021-22 and Uzbekistan’s first-ever stint as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2021-23 gives rise to new possibilities of cooperation. Uzbekistan reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC. Both countries also called for reformed multilateralism including comprehensive reforms of the UN structures.&nbsp;

Both India and Uzbekistan have cooperated closely in tackling the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister assured of India’s continued commitment to support Uzbekistan in its fight against the pandemic. Uzbekistan is very interested in Indian vaccines for Covid-19 and has sought our support in bringing these vaccines to Uzbekistan. India is keen to expand its development partnership with Uzbekistan. India has already declared a USD one billion line of credit for development projects in Uzbekistan.

In the framework of the India-Central Asia Dialogue also, India has offered another line of credit of USD one billion for projects in the region. Both sides also signed an MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects to be undertaken in Uzbekistan under India’s grant assistance. In order to boost bilateral investment and trade, both sides are already engaged in negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and finalizing a Joint Feasibility Study which would pave the way for starting negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement. These will bring further dividends as Uzbekistan has recently become an Observer in the Eurasian Economic Union, a market of more than 200 million people.

Both India and Uzbekistan seek to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of USD one billion but have actually reached only one-third of that landmark. A major factor inhibiting the development of closer trade and economic relationship is the absence of economic and efficient surface connectivity. Both sides believe that the Chabahar route can be the key to address this problem. A total of nine agreements and MoUs on cooperation were signed during the summit including on the line of credit, information technology, cybersecurity, solar energy, customs, standardisation, mass communication, etc. Space and civil nuclear energy are also upcoming areas of our bilateral cooperation.

WION: On connectivity, a trilateral happened between on Chabahar between India, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Chabahar is India built port, how do you see, Central Asia benefitting from it?

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;As we are all aware, India has been pushing for encouraging the use of the Chabahar port by all Central Asian countries.&nbsp; Even during the first India-Central Asia Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in January 2019 in Samarkand, then External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj had put forth the idea of the use of Chabahar for establishing greater connectivity between India and Central Asia.&nbsp;

It is heartening to see that Uzbekistan fully supports this idea and has taken the initiative to host the first trilateral dialogue among Uzbekistan, India, and Iran on the possibilities of the joint use of Chabahar port.&nbsp; The trilateral meeting took place on 14 December at the level of Deputy Ministers of the three countries concerned with transport and logistics relating to the Chabahar port.&nbsp;

The three sides discussed the possibility of developing joint platforms and establishing commercial parameters to encourage the transit of goods through the Chabahar port.&nbsp; The idea, when taken further, would need customs administrations of the three countries, freight forwarding companies, and other stakeholders to work together.&nbsp; We would need the participation of Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries to have a wider reach for this proposal.&nbsp; While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port. This will further make the route between India and Central Asia shorter and economical for the movement of containers.&nbsp;

The Chabahar port is already successfully handling the movement of goods between India and Afghanistan.&nbsp; Its success has already shown that it has the potential to become the fulcrum of transit between India and Central Asia.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Uzbekistan is the first country in Central Asia with which we have started our development partners in terms of extending Lines of Credit. We have now listed 4 projects for the partnership, can you give details?

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;As per the request of the Government of Uzbekistan, the Government of India has approved four projects to be undertaken under India’s Line of Credit in Uzbekistan.&nbsp; These projects are in the sectors of road construction, sewerage, and supply of IT equipment for education and are worth USD 448 million. These projects are also spread over different regions of Uzbekistan.&nbsp; More such projects will also be identified in the future as our total commitment is of USD 1 billion of Line of Credit.&nbsp; The Government of Uzbekistan is expected to soon make us available the Detailed Project Reports so that they could be studied and examined from a technical and financial point of view. The implementation of projects can begin soon thereafter.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see future cooperation. We have with Gujarat and Andijan, also plans for Haryana and Fergana. IT is another sector which has seen cooperation.

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;Establishing cooperation between identified pairs of regions of Uzbekistan and states of India could become a good model for encouraging investment and projects between the two sides.&nbsp; We have been encouraged by the results of the visit of the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani who led a strong business delegation of Gujarat-based companies to the Andijan region of Uzbekistan in October 2019. Gujarat and Andijan have a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation.&nbsp; Shortly after the visit of Shri Rupani, a strong Uzbek business delegation paid a return visit to Gujarat.&nbsp; As a result of these visits, more than 20 B2B Agreements and documents were signed, especially in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, education and agriculture, and agri-processing.&nbsp;

Cadila has announced a major investment in Andijan to manufacture pharmaceuticals.&nbsp; Andijan has opened a special Free Pharmaceuticals Zone to attract Indian companies.&nbsp; Both India and Uzbekistan seek to further expand this model of cooperation and are taking further steps to encourage cooperation between the Fergana region and the state of Haryana.&nbsp; Development of various contours of cooperation would depend on the respective strengths of the identified regions and the states and their potential. IT certainly continues to be a major sector of our bilateral cooperation.&nbsp; It may be noted that the Uzbek government invited an expert from the Software Technology Parks of India to be stationed in Uzbekistan and provide technical expertise to establish IT parks in the country.&nbsp; As a result, Uzbekistan’s first-ever IT Park was opened in Tashkent in early 2019 and more IT parks have since been opened in other regions of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan government is upbeat about attracting Indian IT companies to Uzbekistan to help with various digitization and e-governance activities in the country. The Uzbek side would also like to benefit from India’s experience in helping startups to grow.&nbsp;

WION: Uzbek Parliament has also constituted an India Friendship Group in their Parliament, is it the first such Parliament in the region to do so?

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;Oliy Majlis, the Parliament of Uzbekistan has expressed its strong desire to expand cooperation with the Indian Parliament and benefit from the study of India’s parliamentary practices given our strong credentials of being the largest democracy in the world.&nbsp;

As per the parliamentary practices in Uzbekistan, Parliamentary Friendship Groups for India have already been established in both Houses of the Oliy Majlis and they would like to have interaction with their counterpart groups in the Indian Parliament.&nbsp; There have also been proposals to have online interaction between parliamentarians from both sides on topics of mutual interest and exchange of visits in the future once the pandemic situation improves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both India and Uzbekistan would like to strengthen their inter-parliamentary cooperation. With the ongoing reforms in various spheres in Uzbekistan, including in the fields of governance, media, economy and finance, there is interest in the Uzbek Parliament to study the practices of developed democracies to learn how their parliaments support such initiatives.&nbsp;

India's envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat has said that Chabahar can become a "fulcrum of transit" between India and Central Asia. The comments of the envoy come even as India, Uzbekistan, and Iran held the first trilateral talks on the use of the Chabahar project in Iran.

India's envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat has said that Chabahar can become a "fulcrum of transit" between India and Central Asia. The comments of the envoy come even as India, Uzbekistan, and Iran held the first trilateral talks on the use of the Chabahar project in Iran. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Uzbekistan capital Tashkent, the envoy said, "While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port." India built the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar as part of the India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond to central Asia. The Indian envoy spoke on the recent India-Uzbekistan virtual summit, pointing out that it was, "India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. " During the virtual summit, the first with any central Asian country, New Delhi approved 448 million lines of credit for four projects developmental projects in the country--two in road construction and one each in sewerage treatment and information technology. WION: Key outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan virtual meet. While it was the seventh such virtual summit, it was the first such virtual summit with a central Asian country. Why Uzbekistan was chosen for the first such meet in that region? Manish Prabhat: India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership has grown by leaps and bound thanks to the regular exchanges of VVIP visits in the last few years. Prime Minister visited Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s first visit to India took place in October 2018 and soon after he visited again in January 2019 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. This year Prime Minister’s visit to Uzbekistan was on cards. However, in the situation of the ongoing pandemic, the visit was not possible. It was decided to hold a virtual summit between the two leaders to continue the momentum of our exchanges. Indeed, it became India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. Both sides were very satisfied with the results of the summit. The state of bilateral relations is excellent. Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers have met and are working on a range of issues. Our multilateral cooperation in the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and in the India-Central Asia Dialogue format is set to further strengthen. Our positions on important issues like terrorism and Afghanistan are similar. India’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2021-22 and Uzbekistan’s first-ever stint as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2021-23 gives rise to new possibilities of cooperation. Uzbekistan reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC. Both countries also called for reformed multilateralism including comprehensive reforms of the UN structures. Both India and Uzbekistan have cooperated closely in tackling the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister assured of India’s continued commitment to support Uzbekistan in its fight against the pandemic. Uzbekistan is very interested in Indian vaccines for Covid-19 and has sought our support in bringing these vaccines to Uzbekistan. India is keen to expand its development partnership with Uzbekistan. India has already declared a USD one billion line of credit for development projects in Uzbekistan. In the framework of the India-Central Asia Dialogue also, India has offered another line of credit of USD one billion for projects in the region. Both sides also signed an MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects to be undertaken in Uzbekistan under India’s grant assistance. In order to boost bilateral investment and trade, both sides are already engaged in negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and finalizing a Joint Feasibility Study which would pave the way for starting negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement. These will bring further dividends as Uzbekistan has recently become an Observer in the Eurasian Economic Union, a market of more than 200 million people. Both India and Uzbekistan seek to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of USD one billion but have actually reached only one-third of that landmark. A major factor inhibiting the development of closer trade and economic relationship is the absence of economic and efficient surface connectivity. Both sides believe that the Chabahar route can be the key to address this problem. A total of nine agreements and MoUs on cooperation were signed during the summit including on the line of credit, information technology, cybersecurity, solar energy, customs, standardisation, mass communication, etc. Space and civil nuclear energy are also upcoming areas of our bilateral cooperation. WION: On connectivity, a trilateral happened between on Chabahar between India, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Chabahar is India built port, how do you see, Central Asia benefitting from it? Manish Prabhat: As we are all aware, India has been pushing for encouraging the use of the Chabahar port by all Central Asian countries. Even during the first India-Central Asia Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in January 2019 in Samarkand, then External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj had put forth the idea of the use of Chabahar for establishing greater connectivity between India and Central Asia. It is heartening to see that Uzbekistan fully supports this idea and has taken the initiative to host the first trilateral dialogue among Uzbekistan, India, and Iran on the possibilities of the joint use of Chabahar port. The trilateral meeting took place on 14 December at the level of Deputy Ministers of the three countries concerned with transport and logistics relating to the Chabahar port. The three sides discussed the possibility of developing joint platforms and establishing commercial parameters to encourage the transit of goods through the Chabahar port. The idea, when taken further, would need customs administrations of the three countries, freight forwarding companies, and other stakeholders to work together. We would need the participation of Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries to have a wider reach for this proposal. While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port. This will further make the route between India and Central Asia shorter and economical for the movement of containers. The Chabahar port is already successfully handling the movement of goods between India and Afghanistan. Its success has already shown that it has the potential to become the fulcrum of transit between India and Central Asia. WION: Uzbekistan is the first country in Central Asia with which we have started our development partners in terms of extending Lines of Credit. We have now listed 4 projects for the partnership, can you give details? Manish Prabhat: As per the request of the Government of Uzbekistan, the Government of India has approved four projects to be undertaken under India’s Line of Credit in Uzbekistan. These projects are in the sectors of road construction, sewerage, and supply of IT equipment for education and are worth USD 448 million. These projects are also spread over different regions of Uzbekistan. More such projects will also be identified in the future as our total commitment is of USD 1 billion of Line of Credit. The Government of Uzbekistan is expected to soon make us available the Detailed Project Reports so that they could be studied and examined from a technical and financial point of view. The implementation of projects can begin soon thereafter. WION: How do you see future cooperation. We have with Gujarat and Andijan, also plans for Haryana and Fergana. IT is another sector which has seen cooperation. Manish Prabhat: Establishing cooperation between identified pairs of regions of Uzbekistan and states of India could become a good model for encouraging investment and projects between the two sides. We have been encouraged by the results of the visit of the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani who led a strong business delegation of Gujarat-based companies to the Andijan region of Uzbekistan in October 2019. Gujarat and Andijan have a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation. Shortly after the visit of Shri Rupani, a strong Uzbek business delegation paid a return visit to Gujarat. As a result of these visits, more than 20 B2B Agreements and documents were signed, especially in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, education and agriculture, and agri-processing. Cadila has announced a major investment in Andijan to manufacture pharmaceuticals. Andijan has opened a special Free Pharmaceuticals Zone to attract Indian companies. Both India and Uzbekistan seek to further expand this model of cooperation and are taking further steps to encourage cooperation between the Fergana region and the state of Haryana. Development of various contours of cooperation would depend on the respective strengths of the identified regions and the states and their potential. IT certainly continues to be a major sector of our bilateral cooperation. It may be noted that the Uzbek government invited an expert from the Software Technology Parks of India to be stationed in Uzbekistan and provide technical expertise to establish IT parks in the country. As a result, Uzbekistan’s first-ever IT Park was opened in Tashkent in early 2019 and more IT parks have since been opened in other regions of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan government is upbeat about attracting Indian IT companies to Uzbekistan to help with various digitization and e-governance activities in the country. The Uzbek side would also like to benefit from India’s experience in helping startups to grow. WION: Uzbek Parliament has also constituted an India Friendship Group in their Parliament, is it the first such Parliament in the region to do so? Manish Prabhat: Oliy Majlis, the Parliament of Uzbekistan has expressed its strong desire to expand cooperation with the Indian Parliament and benefit from the study of India’s parliamentary practices given our strong credentials of being the largest democracy in the world. As per the parliamentary practices in Uzbekistan, Parliamentary Friendship Groups for India have already been established in both Houses of the Oliy Majlis and they would like to have interaction with their counterpart groups in the Indian Parliament. There have also been proposals to have online interaction between parliamentarians from both sides on topics of mutual interest and exchange of visits in the future once the pandemic situation improves. Both India and Uzbekistan would like to strengthen their inter-parliamentary cooperation. With the ongoing reforms in various spheres in Uzbekistan, including in the fields of governance, media, economy and finance, there is interest in the Uzbek Parliament to study the practices of developed democracies to learn how their parliaments support such initiatives.

Chabahar can be fulcrum of transit between India and Central Asia, says Indian envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat

Afghanistan has been invited for second India, Uzbekistan, and Iran trilateral meet on the use of the Chabahar port. Earlier this month, the first meet took place at the deputy minister level between the 3 countries. The next meeting will be hosted by India with the dates in the process of finalization.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Shrivastava said, "Afghanistan as a major stakeholder will be invited for the meeting".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-400-billion-china-iran-deal-where-does-it-leave-the-chabahar-project-313096/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chabahar has been a key connectivity project by India towards its west and has been providing connectivity via Iran to Afghanistan and beyond. India built the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar as part of the India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement.

In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

The proposal for India, Uzbekistan, and Iran trilateral was put across by Uzbekistan, which is a doubly landlocked country and is keen on several connectivity projects. And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi.

The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, where often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives.

Afghanistan has been invited for second India, Uzbekistan, and Iran trilateral meet on the use of the Chabahar port. Earlier this month, the first meet took place at the deputy minister level between the 3 countries.

Afghanistan has been invited for second India, Uzbekistan, and Iran trilateral meet on the use of the Chabahar port. Earlier this month, the first meet took place at the deputy minister level between the 3 countries. The next meeting will be hosted by India with the dates in the process of finalization. Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Shrivastava said, "Afghanistan as a major stakeholder will be invited for the meeting". Watch | Chabahar has been a key connectivity project by India towards its west and has been providing connectivity via Iran to Afghanistan and beyond. India built the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar as part of the India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement. In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The proposal for India, Uzbekistan, and Iran trilateral was put across by Uzbekistan, which is a doubly landlocked country and is keen on several connectivity projects. And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi. The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, where often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives.

Afghanistan invited for second India, Uzbek, Iran trilateral meet on Chabahar

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India.

The announcement comes just a day after the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. &nbsp;The proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side and India has welcomed the "interest of Uzbekistan to use the Chabahar port as a transit port" as "this would open up economic opportunities for the traders and business community of the region", a ministry of external affairs statement said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pacific-represents-evolution-of-india-s-jaishankar-349286" hreflang="en">Indo-Pacific represents evolution of India: S Jaishankar</a>

And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries who have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi with India seeking to "to cooperate closely with regional countries on this issue".

The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, were often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/factually-incorrect-india-dismisses-chinese-embassy-spokespersons-comments-on-joint-release-of-stamp-349191" hreflang="en">Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp</a>

India built the Shahid Behesti Port at Chabahar as part of India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond. In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic.

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India.

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India. The announcement comes just a day after the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side and India has welcomed the "interest of Uzbekistan to use the Chabahar port as a transit port" as "this would open up economic opportunities for the traders and business community of the region", a ministry of external affairs statement said. Also read| Indo-Pacific represents evolution of India: S Jaishankar And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries who have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi with India seeking to "to cooperate closely with regional countries on this issue". The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, were often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives. Also read| Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp India built the Shahid Behesti Port at Chabahar as part of India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond. In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic.

India, Uzbekistan, Iran trilateral meet on Chabahar on Monday

In a big boost to India's regional connectivity plans, Uzbekistan has given an in-principle nod to join the&nbsp;International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The approval was given by Uzbek President&nbsp;Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the virtual summit on Friday.

MEA JS ERS Dr. Adarsh Swaika said, "We had requested earlier when President&nbsp;Mirziyoyev&nbsp;had visited India in 2018, PM had made a request to join the&nbsp;INSTC.&nbsp;President gave his in-principle concurrence to joining the&nbsp;INSTC.&nbsp;It is a very good development that Uzbekistan in principle ready to join&nbsp;INSTC"

International North-South Transport Corridor connects Mumbai to Moscow and passes through Iran and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;Efforts of all the stakeholders have been to increase its popularity and earlier this year an agreement was signed between Container Corporation of India and Russian railways to facilitate the movement of cargo.

Efforts of all the stakeholders have been to increase its popularity and earlier this year an agreement was signed between Container Corporation of India and Russian railways to facilitate the movement of cargo.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has proposed a trilateral dialogue among India, Iran, and Uzbekistan to promote connectivity through the Chabahar port.&nbsp;India is also working on the viability of an air corridor to Central Asia but suitable points are yet to be identified. It already has an air corridor with Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Uzbekistan&nbsp;is one of the 2 countries in the world that is a doubly landlocked country and is keen on many connectivity projects including, a railway connection with Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During the virtual summit, the first with any central Asian country, India approved 448 million lines of credit for four&nbsp;projects developmental projects in Uzbekistan--two&nbsp;in road construction and one each in sewerage treatment and information technology.

In a big boost to India's regional connectivity plans, Uzbekistan has given an in-principle nod to join the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

In a big boost to India's regional connectivity plans, Uzbekistan has given an in-principle nod to join the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The approval was given by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the virtual summit on Friday. MEA JS ERS Dr. Adarsh Swaika said, "We had requested earlier when President Mirziyoyev had visited India in 2018, PM had made a request to join the INSTC. President gave his in-principle concurrence to joining the INSTC. It is a very good development that Uzbekistan in principle ready to join INSTC" International North-South Transport Corridor connects Mumbai to Moscow and passes through Iran and Azerbaijan. Efforts of all the stakeholders have been to increase its popularity and earlier this year an agreement was signed between Container Corporation of India and Russian railways to facilitate the movement of cargo. Efforts of all the stakeholders have been to increase its popularity and earlier this year an agreement was signed between Container Corporation of India and Russian railways to facilitate the movement of cargo. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has proposed a trilateral dialogue among India, Iran, and Uzbekistan to promote connectivity through the Chabahar port. India is also working on the viability of an air corridor to Central Asia but suitable points are yet to be identified. It already has an air corridor with Afghanistan. Uzbekistan is one of the 2 countries in the world that is a doubly landlocked country and is keen on many connectivity projects including, a railway connection with Afghanistan. During the virtual summit, the first with any central Asian country, India approved 448 million lines of credit for four projects developmental projects in Uzbekistan--two in road construction and one each in sewerage treatment and information technology.

Boost to connectivity as Uzbekistan agrees to join north-south transport corridor, proposes trilateral talks on Chabahar

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

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil.

Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which&nbsp;will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan. It&nbsp;was part of a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan.

A report claimed that Iran has decided to ditch India&nbsp;and complete the project on its own. Iran cited funding delays as a reason.

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On Wednesday, the government of India refuted these reports. Sources told WION that both India and Iran "remain committed to the Chabahar-Aahedan railway project" and that India is "very much in the game but progress is slow due to the current political environment."

Then came a report from <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/iran-drops-india-key-rail-project-citing-funding-delays-200715063259623.Html">Al Jazeera</a> and another twist in the tale. The&nbsp;report said that India was never really part of the&nbsp;railway project&nbsp;so there's no question of it being dropped. The source of this claim is&nbsp;Farhad Montaser, an Iranian official with Iran’s ports and maritime organisation.

He said that the story that India has been dropped is “totally false because Iran has not inked any deal with India regarding the Chabahar-Zahedan” railway project.

In a press release of MEA from 2016 the&nbsp;list&nbsp;of agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Iran&nbsp;there is mention of an MoU. It was signed between India’s state-owned transport infrastructure company(IRCON), and Iran’s Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company(CDTIC).

<img alt="MoU of IRCON" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a3b3ce1-3bd9-45bc-b798-3c9c445adf89" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MoU%20of%20IRCON.jpg" />

The description of the&nbsp;MoU is pretty clear. The Indian side was to provide “requisite services for construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line” with&nbsp;around $1.6 billion committed as financing.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that the&nbsp;MoU was signed. It's been four years and Iran is yet to take things forward.

Iran is yet to respond. No word yet on whether India is still on board. It&nbsp;is important because Chabahar is very important to India. It is an essential component of India’s central Asian strategy.

The port opened a new strategic transit route between India, Iran and Afghanistan, a route that bypassed Pakistan because Islamabad had blocked Indian shipments.

India plans to invest $500 million into the project because&nbsp;its value goes well beyond a trade link with Afghanistan. It has immense strategic value too.

The point of contention right now is a railway line from Chabahar to Zahedan, a town close to the Afghanistan border. The same line is supposed to be later extended to Zaranj in Afghanistan. Chabahar is supposed to be India’s gateway to Eurasia.

Last year’s estimates say that once Chabahar is operationalised,&nbsp;India’s trade with Eurasia could touch $170 billion.

There are cost benefits too. A report from 2018 gives some insights. The Chabahar route could lead to a 60 per cent reduction in shipment costs and a 50 per cent reduction in shipment time from India to central Asia. The problem is that India has not been consistent with its funding for Chabahar.

In 2019, the funds allocated for the port dropped from 150 crores — that is almost $2&nbsp;billion dollars — to 45 crores, or around $600 million.

However, India had hiked&nbsp;allocation to 100 crores in this year's budget&nbsp;almost $1.5 billion was set aside for Chabahar.

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil. Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan.

Beijing and Tehran are yet to sign a deal, but some details have leaked. Iran gets Chinese investments for 25 years and China gets cheap Iranian oil. Within hours, it emerged that Iran was dropping India from the Chabahar rail project — the Chabahar-Zahedan line which will connect the Chabahar port to Afghanistan. It was part of a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. A report claimed that Iran has decided to ditch India and complete the project on its own. Iran cited funding delays as a reason. On Wednesday, the government of India refuted these reports. Sources told WION that both India and Iran "remain committed to the Chabahar-Aahedan railway project" and that India is "very much in the game but progress is slow due to the current political environment." Then came a report from Al Jazeera and another twist in the tale. The report said that India was never really part of the railway project so there's no question of it being dropped. The source of this claim is Farhad Montaser, an Iranian official with Iran’s ports and maritime organisation. He said that the story that India has been dropped is “totally false because Iran has not inked any deal with India regarding the Chabahar-Zahedan” railway project. In a press release of MEA from 2016 the list of agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Iran there is mention of an MoU. It was signed between India’s state-owned transport infrastructure company(IRCON), and Iran’s Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company(CDTIC). The description of the MoU is pretty clear. The Indian side was to provide “requisite services for construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line” with around $1.6 billion committed as financing. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that the MoU was signed. It's been four years and Iran is yet to take things forward. Iran is yet to respond. No word yet on whether India is still on board. It is important because Chabahar is very important to India. It is an essential component of India’s central Asian strategy. The port opened a new strategic transit route between India, Iran and Afghanistan, a route that bypassed Pakistan because Islamabad had blocked Indian shipments. India plans to invest $500 million into the project because its value goes well beyond a trade link with Afghanistan. It has immense strategic value too. The point of contention right now is a railway line from Chabahar to Zahedan, a town close to the Afghanistan border. The same line is supposed to be later extended to Zaranj in Afghanistan. Chabahar is supposed to be India’s gateway to Eurasia. Last year’s estimates say that once Chabahar is operationalised, India’s trade with Eurasia could touch $170 billion. There are cost benefits too. A report from 2018 gives some insights. The Chabahar route could lead to a 60 per cent reduction in shipment costs and a 50 per cent reduction in shipment time from India to central Asia. The problem is that India has not been consistent with its funding for Chabahar. In 2019, the funds allocated for the port dropped from 150 crores — that is almost $2 billion dollars — to 45 crores, or around $600 million. However, India had hiked allocation to 100 crores in this year's budget almost $1.5 billion was set aside for Chabahar.

Twist and turn in Chabahar-Zahedan rail project

Iran's Chabahar port is the only deep seaport and India's gateway to central Asia. The port was inaugurated in 2017, it not only side-stepped Pakistan but also counter-balanced the Chinese-controlled Gwadar port.

India had an ambitious plan - offload shipments in Chabahar, load them on trucks and trains, send them to Zahedan in Iran, go further to Zarang in Afghanistan and take the goods to the central Asian republics.

For this plan to be successful, India needed to develop better connectivity to the port - enter the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, the 628-km-long track connecting the port to Zahedan.

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India and Iran had agreed to jointly construct the railway line with 34 stations estimated to ferry 2.8 million tonnes of freight per year. The deal was reached in 2016&nbsp;during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Iran. Four years on, Tehran has thrown New Delhi out of the project. It now wants to construct the railway&nbsp;line alone. Reports claim that Iran has already inaugurated the track-laying process.

Tehran claims New Delhi has been delaying funding. The project was being stalled because of US sanctions on Iran, although it was waived in 2018 but finding suppliers and partners continued to remain a challenge as banks too were reluctant to provide loans.

Iran is now constructing the railway line alone. It wants to complete the project by 2022. It is a big roadblock in India's strategic ambitions in central Asia. It loses its influence in the trade corridor and it is a setback for India's bigger plan since the railroad was supposed to be a transit corridor to Afghanistan after connecting Chabahar to Zahedan, the railroad was to be linked to Zaranj in Afghanistan.

The plan may now need a rethink. The loss is diplomatic too. It is a sign of Iran losing confidence in India.

India's loss is China's gain. The development comes at a time when China is finalising a $400 billion strategic partnership deal with Iran. Not surprising given the two countries have a common enemy - the United States.

Beijing is set to gain from Chabahar development. Firstly, it will ensure a tighter grip over Iran which is a country with a population of 80 million with 60 per cent people under 30.

Secondly, Chabahar's loss is Gwadar's gain. The two ports are just 172 km away. Gwadar already has better connectivity, and China is unlikely to be shy of promoting it as the go-to port for trading with central Asia.

Also, by kicking India out of a project in Iran, China gets to poison one more of India's allies and China gets to carve its way into trying to influence the affairs in Chabahar.

India must learn from the episode. New Delhi cannot take its allies for granted especially when the expansionist Dragon is on the loose and desperate.

Iran's Chabahar port is the only deep seaport and India's gateway to central Asia. The port was inaugurated in 2017, it not only side-stepped Pakistan but also counter-balanced the Chinese-controlled Gwadar port.

Iran's Chabahar port is the only deep seaport and India's gateway to central Asia. The port was inaugurated in 2017, it not only side-stepped Pakistan but also counter-balanced the Chinese-controlled Gwadar port. India had an ambitious plan - offload shipments in Chabahar, load them on trucks and trains, send them to Zahedan in Iran, go further to Zarang in Afghanistan and take the goods to the central Asian republics. For this plan to be successful, India needed to develop better connectivity to the port - enter the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, the 628-km-long track connecting the port to Zahedan. India and Iran had agreed to jointly construct the railway line with 34 stations estimated to ferry 2.8 million tonnes of freight per year. The deal was reached in 2016 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Iran. Four years on, Tehran has thrown New Delhi out of the project. It now wants to construct the railway line alone. Reports claim that Iran has already inaugurated the track-laying process. Tehran claims New Delhi has been delaying funding. The project was being stalled because of US sanctions on Iran, although it was waived in 2018 but finding suppliers and partners continued to remain a challenge as banks too were reluctant to provide loans. Iran is now constructing the railway line alone. It wants to complete the project by 2022. It is a big roadblock in India's strategic ambitions in central Asia. It loses its influence in the trade corridor and it is a setback for India's bigger plan since the railroad was supposed to be a transit corridor to Afghanistan after connecting Chabahar to Zahedan, the railroad was to be linked to Zaranj in Afghanistan. The plan may now need a rethink. The loss is diplomatic too. It is a sign of Iran losing confidence in India. India's loss is China's gain. The development comes at a time when China is finalising a $400 billion strategic partnership deal with Iran. Not surprising given the two countries have a common enemy - the United States. Beijing is set to gain from Chabahar development. Firstly, it will ensure a tighter grip over Iran which is a country with a population of 80 million with 60 per cent people under 30. Secondly, Chabahar's loss is Gwadar's gain. The two ports are just 172 km away. Gwadar already has better connectivity, and China is unlikely to be shy of promoting it as the go-to port for trading with central Asia. Also, by kicking India out of a project in Iran, China gets to poison one more of India's allies and China gets to carve its way into trying to influence the affairs in Chabahar. India must learn from the episode. New Delhi cannot take its allies for granted especially when the expansionist Dragon is on the loose and desperate.

Iran ignores India, starts work on Chabahar-Zahedan railway project

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