<p>On December 3, 2017, President of Iran Hassan Rouhani inaugurated the much-awaited Chabahar port. The inauguration follows the successful operationalisation of the port on October 29; which marked a major shift as to how Afghanistan trades with the world and vice versa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India dispatched first of the six consignments of wheat (India&rsquo;s commitment to send 1.1 million tonnes of wheat) to Afghanistan via Chabahar, Iran bypassing Pakistan. Traditionally, Afghanistan due to its landlocked nature has been dependent upon Pakistan to receive international aid and conduct trade. With the opening of the route via Iran, Afghanistan&#39;s dependence on Pakistan will reduce significantly and it will get access to the seaport, increasing trade volume considerably.</p>

<p>The Chabahar, which is in Iran, is connected to Afghanistan via 635 km road connecting Chabahar to Zahedan and improved the 206 km to Zaranj on its side of the Iran-Afghan border. India as part of its Afghanistan development assistance initiative has constructed 218 km long Zaranj-Delaram highway in western Afghanistan that runs to the Iran border, thus providing much-required sea access.</p>

<p>The passage of India&#39;s first consignment of wheat through Iran&#39;s Chabahar port to Afghanistan recently is significant for several reasons. First, it helps in boosting trade ties between Afghanistan and India which have suffered due to transit issues for Indian goods via Pakistan. Afghanistan has the potential to become a major transit hub for Central Asian goods reaching South Asia and beyond via this port facility. The port access is also expected to encourage domestic trading communities in Afghanistan to utilise this facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Second, it alters regional geopolitical calibrations i.e. bringing Iran as a player in Afghanistan&#39;s reconstruction efforts as well as much needed developmental activity in the Sistan and Baluchistan province of southern Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Third, for Iran, the operationalisation comes at a time when the US has been changing its stance on the nuclear deal. The port is also key to INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) which provides trade connectivity from Russia to the Persian Gulf via different trades routes.</p>

<p>India, Iran and Afghanistan may have overcome many challenges to make trade and transit through Chabahar port a reality. But challenges remain. First, the location of the port itself i.e. the port is located just 72km away from the Gwadar port of Pakistan which is part of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Second, the US policy with respect to Iran is changing again, the recent decision by the US to decertify Iran as per the Iran Nuclear Deal or JCPOA has renewed fear of economic sanctions on Iran. However, the US Secretary of State Tillerson on his recent visit to India has assured the Indian government that Chabahar port will be out of the purview of any such decision of the US government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the impact of the sanctions on the associated economic activity will have an adverse impact on the economic viability of the port. Third, the port would need more than India-Afghan trade to stay afloat. Several countries, including Japan and South Korea, have expressed interest in the port facility and should be roped in. The materialisation of the INSTC will bring much-needed trade traffic to the port facility and provide access to the Central Asian, East European markets for East Asian economic powerhouses.</p>

<p>In addition, the poor security situation in the Sistan-Baluchistan province where Chabahar is located may raise some concerns as the province has the restive Sunni population in Shia-dominated Iran. The deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, too, could undermine the region&#39;s capacity to tap Chabahar&#39;s full potential.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


With the opening of the route via Iran, Afghanistan's dependence on Pakistan will reduce significantly and it will get access to the seaport, increasing trade volume considerably.

On December 3, 2017, President of Iran Hassan Rouhani inaugurated the much-awaited Chabahar port. The inauguration follows the successful operationalisation of the port on October 29; which marked a major shift as to how Afghanistan trades with the world and vice versa. India dispatched first of the six consignments of wheat (India’s commitment to send 1.1 million tonnes of wheat) to Afghanistan via Chabahar, Iran bypassing Pakistan. Traditionally, Afghanistan due to its landlocked nature has been dependent upon Pakistan to receive international aid and conduct trade. With the opening of the route via Iran, Afghanistan's dependence on Pakistan will reduce significantly and it will get access to the seaport, increasing trade volume considerably. The Chabahar, which is in Iran, is connected to Afghanistan via 635 km road connecting Chabahar to Zahedan and improved the 206 km to Zaranj on its side of the Iran-Afghan border. India as part of its Afghanistan development assistance initiative has constructed 218 km long Zaranj-Delaram highway in western Afghanistan that runs to the Iran border, thus providing much-required sea access. The passage of India's first consignment of wheat through Iran's Chabahar port to Afghanistan recently is significant for several reasons. First, it helps in boosting trade ties between Afghanistan and India which have suffered due to transit issues for Indian goods via Pakistan. Afghanistan has the potential to become a major transit hub for Central Asian goods reaching South Asia and beyond via this port facility. The port access is also expected to encourage domestic trading communities in Afghanistan to utilise this facility. Second, it alters regional geopolitical calibrations i.e. bringing Iran as a player in Afghanistan's reconstruction efforts as well as much needed developmental activity in the Sistan and Baluchistan province of southern Iran. Third, for Iran, the operationalisation comes at a time when the US has been changing its stance on the nuclear deal. The port is also key to INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) which provides trade connectivity from Russia to the Persian Gulf via different trades routes. India, Iran and Afghanistan may have overcome many challenges to make trade and transit through Chabahar port a reality. But challenges remain. First, the location of the port itself i.e. the port is located just 72km away from the Gwadar port of Pakistan which is part of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Second, the US policy with respect to Iran is changing again, the recent decision by the US to decertify Iran as per the Iran Nuclear Deal or JCPOA has renewed fear of economic sanctions on Iran. However, the US Secretary of State Tillerson on his recent visit to India has assured the Indian government that Chabahar port will be out of the purview of any such decision of the US government. But the impact of the sanctions on the associated economic activity will have an adverse impact on the economic viability of the port. Third, the port would need more than India-Afghan trade to stay afloat. Several countries, including Japan and South Korea, have expressed interest in the port facility and should be roped in. The materialisation of the INSTC will bring much-needed trade traffic to the port facility and provide access to the Central Asian, East European markets for East Asian economic powerhouses. In addition, the poor security situation in the Sistan-Baluchistan province where Chabahar is located may raise some concerns as the province has the restive Sunni population in Shia-dominated Iran. The deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, too, could undermine the region's capacity to tap Chabahar's full potential. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: With Chabahar India gains upper hand over Pakistan

<p>The first phase of the strategic Chabahar port which has been developed by India will be inaugurated by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani today.</p>

<p>Representatives from India, Afghanistan and a few other countries in the region will also be in attendance.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday made a stopover in Iran on her way back from Russia to meet Iran foreign minister of&nbsp;Dr Javed Zarif in Tehran. The two counterparts discussed the implementation of the Chabahar port.</p>

<p>The port will bypass Pakistan to open a trade and transport route to landlocked Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has committed $500 million to the Chabahar port which is expected to boost trade relations between India, Afghanistan and Iran, and will also give access to India to the resource-rich countries of central Asia.</p>

<p>New Delhi plans to send seven shipments of wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar by the end of January, Reuters earlier reported, adding that the port is being viewed by Iran critics US and the United Kingdom as a transport corridor to Afghanistan rather than for advancing Iran&#39;s agenda in the Middle-East.</p>

<p>The first shipment of wheat arrived last week from India&#39;s Kandla port in Gujarat, after years of political wrangling with Pakistan, government officials in New Delhi and Kabul told Reuters. The wheat will be trucked from Chabahar to western Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The United States, which wants India to do more to help stabilise Afghanistan through economic and security assistance, has held off public criticism of India&#39;s efforts to develop the Iranian corridor.</p>

<p>India&#39;s ties with Iran came up in New Delhi last month during talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who said America would not stand in the way of projects that help the Iranian people.</p>

<p>The government has set up the India Global Ports Ltd (IGPL) to lead the Chabahar project.</p>

<p>The IGPL has held talks with Iranian authorities to begin interim operations, an Indian government source earlier told Reuters.</p>

<p>In August, the IGPL applied for permission to establish a company to run the port, the source said. The plan is for IGPL to build two new terminals, one for container vessels and one for multipurpose ships.</p>

<p>The first phase is known as the Shahid Beheshti port.</p>

<p>Iran has reportedly asked the Indian government to operate the first phase until work for the second phase is finalised.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Reuters)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The first phase of the project will be inaugurated by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani today

The first phase of the strategic Chabahar port which has been developed by India will be inaugurated by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani today. Representatives from India, Afghanistan and a few other countries in the region will also be in attendance. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday made a stopover in Iran on her way back from Russia to meet Iran foreign minister of Dr Javed Zarif in Tehran. The two counterparts discussed the implementation of the Chabahar port. The port will bypass Pakistan to open a trade and transport route to landlocked Afghanistan. India has committed $500 million to the Chabahar port which is expected to boost trade relations between India, Afghanistan and Iran, and will also give access to India to the resource-rich countries of central Asia. New Delhi plans to send seven shipments of wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar by the end of January, Reuters earlier reported, adding that the port is being viewed by Iran critics US and the United Kingdom as a transport corridor to Afghanistan rather than for advancing Iran's agenda in the Middle-East. The first shipment of wheat arrived last week from India's Kandla port in Gujarat, after years of political wrangling with Pakistan, government officials in New Delhi and Kabul told Reuters. The wheat will be trucked from Chabahar to western Afghanistan. The United States, which wants India to do more to help stabilise Afghanistan through economic and security assistance, has held off public criticism of India's efforts to develop the Iranian corridor. India's ties with Iran came up in New Delhi last month during talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who said America would not stand in the way of projects that help the Iranian people. The government has set up the India Global Ports Ltd (IGPL) to lead the Chabahar project. The IGPL has held talks with Iranian authorities to begin interim operations, an Indian government source earlier told Reuters. In August, the IGPL applied for permission to establish a company to run the port, the source said. The plan is for IGPL to build two new terminals, one for container vessels and one for multipurpose ships. The first phase is known as the Shahid Beheshti port. Iran has reportedly asked the Indian government to operate the first phase until work for the second phase is finalised. (With inputs from Reuters)

Chabahar port, developed by India, to be inaugurated today in Iran

<p>The first phase of the Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman was inaugurated on Sunday by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The port will open&nbsp;a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan, and reflecting growing convergence of interests among the three countries.</p>

<p>The port in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich nation&#39;s southern coast is easily accessible from India&#39;s western coast and is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan&#39;s Gwadar Port, which is being developed with Chinese investment and is located at distance of around 80 kms from Chabahar.</p>

<p>An India-Iran-Afghanistan ministerial-level trilateral meeting on Chabahar also took place on the sidelines of the event where the three countries resolved to work towards integrated development of connectivity infrastructure including ports, road and rail networks to open up greater opportunities for regional market access and integration of their economies.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Minister of State (Shipping) Pon Radhakrishnan represented India at the inauguration of the Phase 1 of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran <a href="https://t.co/LdR5eFpMfv">pic.twitter.com/LdR5eFpMfv</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937290760440999936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries besides ramping up trade among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi.</p>

<p>&quot;The routes of the region should be connected by land, sea and air,&quot; Rouhani said at the inauguration ceremony, according to his office.</p>

<p>India has been closely working with Afghanistan and Iran to create an alternative, reliable access routes for trade.</p>

<p>Under the agreement signed between India and Iran in May last year, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with the capital investment of USD 85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million on a 10-year lease.</p>

<p>The MEA, in a statement, said Radhakrishnan also represented India in the second India-Iran-Afghanistan ministerial-level trilateral meeting on Chabahar port in Chabahar today. Iran was represented by its Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi and Afghanistan by its Trade and Commerce Minister Humayoon Rasaw.</p>

<p>In the meeting, the three countries assessed the progress in the development of the port and reiterated their commitment to complete and operationalise it at the earliest, which they felt would provide alternative access to landlocked Afghanistan to regional and global markets.</p>

<p>A joint statement issued after the meeting said the ministers also deliberated on trilateral pact relating to the mega connectivity project and expressed satisfaction on the completion of the ratification procedures by Afghanistan and India. They welcomed the steps taken by Iran to complete the ratification process.</p>

<p>In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entailed establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation in Iran, besides multi- modal transport of goods and passengers across the three nations.</p>

<p>&quot;The ministers discussed the next steps for full implementation of the agreement and moving towards its operationalisation. Towards this endeavour, it was decided to finalise protocols related to transport and transit, ports, customs procedures and consular affairs. It was also decided to convene an expert-level meeting of senior officials of the three countries at the earliest,&quot; the joint statement said.</p>

<p>Reiterating the importance of Chabahar as a hub for regional economic connectivity and their commitment to work towards this objective, the ministers also commended the joint efforts of the three countries in the recent successful transit of wheat from India to Afghanistan through Chabahar.</p>

<p>Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Rouhani noted that transit is the best communication tool for nations, adding &quot;the routes of the region should be connected on land, sea and air,&quot; according to his office.</p>

<p><em>(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries

The first phase of the Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman was inaugurated on Sunday by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The port will open a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan, and reflecting growing convergence of interests among the three countries. The port in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich nation's southern coast is easily accessible from India's western coast and is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan's Gwadar Port, which is being developed with Chinese investment and is located at distance of around 80 kms from Chabahar. An India-Iran-Afghanistan ministerial-level trilateral meeting on Chabahar also took place on the sidelines of the event where the three countries resolved to work towards integrated development of connectivity infrastructure including ports, road and rail networks to open up greater opportunities for regional market access and integration of their economies. Minister of State (Shipping) Pon Radhakrishnan represented India at the inauguration of the Phase 1 of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran pic.twitter.com/LdR5eFpMfv — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × The Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries besides ramping up trade among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi. "The routes of the region should be connected by land, sea and air," Rouhani said at the inauguration ceremony, according to his office. India has been closely working with Afghanistan and Iran to create an alternative, reliable access routes for trade. Under the agreement signed between India and Iran in May last year, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with the capital investment of USD 85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million on a 10-year lease. The MEA, in a statement, said Radhakrishnan also represented India in the second India-Iran-Afghanistan ministerial-level trilateral meeting on Chabahar port in Chabahar today. Iran was represented by its Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi and Afghanistan by its Trade and Commerce Minister Humayoon Rasaw. In the meeting, the three countries assessed the progress in the development of the port and reiterated their commitment to complete and operationalise it at the earliest, which they felt would provide alternative access to landlocked Afghanistan to regional and global markets. A joint statement issued after the meeting said the ministers also deliberated on trilateral pact relating to the mega connectivity project and expressed satisfaction on the completion of the ratification procedures by Afghanistan and India. They welcomed the steps taken by Iran to complete the ratification process. In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entailed establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation in Iran, besides multi- modal transport of goods and passengers across the three nations. "The ministers discussed the next steps for full implementation of the agreement and moving towards its operationalisation. Towards this endeavour, it was decided to finalise protocols related to transport and transit, ports, customs procedures and consular affairs. It was also decided to convene an expert-level meeting of senior officials of the three countries at the earliest," the joint statement said. Reiterating the importance of Chabahar as a hub for regional economic connectivity and their commitment to work towards this objective, the ministers also commended the joint efforts of the three countries in the recent successful transit of wheat from India to Afghanistan through Chabahar. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Rouhani noted that transit is the best communication tool for nations, adding "the routes of the region should be connected on land, sea and air," according to his office. (With PTI inputs)

Chabahar port inaugurated, allows India to bypass Pakistan on trade route to Afghanistan

<p>The first phase of the Chabahar port was inaugurated by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday in the presence of representatives from several countries of the region.</p>

<p>The port which will open a new transit between India, Afghanistan and Iran is expected to boost trade between the three countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also known as &quot;Gateway of golden opportunities&quot;, the Chabahar port, which is easily accessible by India&#39;s Western Coast,&nbsp;is located in the Sistan-Balochistan province.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs said that the Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan represented India at the inauguration of the post which was&nbsp;constructed bypassing Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Minister of State (Shipping) Pon Radhakrishnan represented India at the inauguration of the Phase 1 of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran <a href="https://t.co/LdR5eFpMfv">pic.twitter.com/LdR5eFpMfv</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937290760440999936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first phase of the Chabahar port project is known as the Shahid Beheshti port.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan had been denying access to India for trade with the two countries. The Chabahar port is expected to boost the trade relations between the countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an agreement signed between India and Iran in May 2017, India will equip and operate two births in the Chabahar port phase 1. India&#39;s capital investment accounts for $85.21 million, while its annual revenue expenditure is $22.95 million on a 10-year lease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marking opening of the new transit route, India had sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The first phase of the Chabahar port was opened today after it was inaugurated by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

The first phase of the Chabahar port was inaugurated by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday in the presence of representatives from several countries of the region. The port which will open a new transit between India, Afghanistan and Iran is expected to boost trade between the three countries. Also known as "Gateway of golden opportunities", the Chabahar port, which is easily accessible by India's Western Coast, is located in the Sistan-Balochistan province. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan represented India at the inauguration of the post which was constructed bypassing Pakistan. Minister of State (Shipping) Pon Radhakrishnan represented India at the inauguration of the Phase 1 of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran pic.twitter.com/LdR5eFpMfv — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × The first phase of the Chabahar port project is known as the Shahid Beheshti port. Pakistan had been denying access to India for trade with the two countries. The Chabahar port is expected to boost the trade relations between the countries. In an agreement signed between India and Iran in May 2017, India will equip and operate two births in the Chabahar port phase 1. India's capital investment accounts for $85.21 million, while its annual revenue expenditure is $22.95 million on a 10-year lease. Marking opening of the new transit route, India had sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port.

First phase of Chabahar port inaugurated in Iran

<p><strong>By:&nbsp;Tridivesh Singh Maini &amp; Sandeep Sachdeva*</strong></p>

<p>New Delhi,&nbsp;while consistently expanding strategic and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and Israel, has also sought to strengthen ties with Tehran, which has tense relations with both. The Nuclear Deal of 2015, signed between Iran and<strong> </strong>(P5+1) countries opened new vistas for India in Iran, which is strategically located and is India&rsquo;s potential gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his visit to Iran in 2016, PM Modi signed an agreement, not just committing financial assistance&nbsp;to the tune of 500 Million USD for phase 1 of the development of the Chabahar Project, but also a three nation agreement with Iran and Afghanistan&nbsp;for establishing a land, transit and trade corridor. India will build a <a href="http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/tridivesh-en/33618/">500-km rail line</a> from Chabahar port from the southern coast of Iran to Zahedan, close to the Afghan border, at a cost of $1.6 billion as part of the transit corridor to Afghanistan. &quot;It will open new routes for India, Iran, and Afghanistan to connect among themselves,&quot; said PM Modi with regard to the corridor.</p>

<p>India&rsquo;s main aim was to get access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Pakistan has continuously opposed India&rsquo;s entry into the <a href="http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/tridivesh-en/33618/">APTTA</a>&nbsp;(Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement), even though Afghanistan has been in favour of India joining the agreement. APTTA is a transit trade agreement as it is quite evident from its name. Currently, Afghan goods can come into India, but trucks stop at Wagah (Pakistani side of the border). India, however, has been deprived of land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.</p>

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<h5>Given India&rsquo;s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump&rsquo;s unpredictability.</h5>
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<p>There have been some hitches with regard to the Chabahar project kicking off by 2018. The <a href="https://www.google.co.in/amp/www.firstpost.com/india/chabahar-port-why-future-of-india-iran-project-hinges-on-outcome-of-narendra-modi-donald-trump-meet-3722647.html/amp">companies which are to develop customised equipment jetties and container terminals</a> were not willing to take part in the bidding process. The banks were not ready to facilitate the financial transactions involving Iran due to the uncertain policies of Trump administration towards&nbsp;Iran. Apart from this, there was a delay in <a href="http://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/iran-india-trade-charges-on-delay-of-chabahar-port/articleshow/56990454.cms">loan disbursement of $ 150 million</a>&nbsp;with India and Iran blaming each other for the delay. Transport minister, Nitin Gadkari who attended Iranian President Rouhani&rsquo;s swearing in on August 5, 2017, categorically stated:</p>

<p>&quot;India and Iran have been historically sharing special ties. We are keen on developing Chabahar Port and are hopeful of starting operations in 12 to 18 months.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>US-Iran ties</strong></p>

<p>India, however, needs to carefully observe Trump&rsquo;s warnings to Iran on the nuclear deal. Iran has categorically stated, that it will quit the Nuclear Deal if more sanctions are imposed. Rouhani&#39;s exact words were:&nbsp;&quot;Iran could quit the nuclear deal within hours if the US imposes more sanctions.&quot;</p>

<p>Even though Iran has followed the conditions of the deal, Trump has threatened about imposing sanctions. The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson,&nbsp;however, has made it clear on umpteen occasions, that the US will not scrap the deal. Interestingly, Tillerson has also stated, that he and the US President have differences over the deal. Whereas President Trump is in favour of calling off the deal and imposing new sanctions, secretary of state <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tillerson-iran-idUSKBN1AH5E7">Tillerson </a>subscribes to the view, that America should not strike the deal rather engage with Iran to bring stability in the neighbourhood, especially in Iraq and Syria by holding it accountable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given India&rsquo;s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump&rsquo;s unpredictability.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Iran-Pakistan ties&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>New Delhi should also observe carefully Iran&rsquo;s support for Pakistan, particularly after Trump&rsquo;s speech on August 21 where he warned Pakistan to take more concrete action against terror groups operating on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Iran came to the defence of Pakistan, with foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi saying:</p>

<p>&quot;What presently the US is highlighting to condemn other countries with is the result of years of wrong and inappropriate policies of Americans in the countries of the region, especially Afghanistan.&rdquo;</p>

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<h5>Iran already has strong economic ties with China, moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India.</h5>
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<p>Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. New Delhi has been trying to jointly work with both Afghanistan and Iran much to the chagrin of the Pakistan army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Significantly, in May 2017, Iran had taken a tough stance against certain terror groups operating from Pakistan, warning that it would hit the bases of Sunni militant groups operating in Pakistan. In April 2017, Ten Iranian border guards had been killed by militants and Iran blamed Sunni groups operating from Pakistan. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-pakistan-security-idUSKBN1840SY">Major General Mohammad Baqeri</a>, head of the Iranian armed forces had said, &ldquo;If the terrorist attacks continue, we will hit their safe havens and cells, wherever they are.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Middle East</strong></p>

<p>New Delhi should also be watching the gradual softening of Iran towards Saudi Arabia and Turkey. On the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul earlier this month, the <a href="#vgi=11831571547160704589&amp;amp=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.al-monitor.com%252Fpulse%252Fen%252Foriginals%252F2017%252F08%252Firan-zarif-jubeir-saudi-fm-handshake-istanbul-shamkhani-deal.amp.html&amp;ampidx=0&amp;ampct=1504066232985">foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia</a> met and exchanged greetings. Earlier this month Iranian chief of staff of the armed forces, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-iran-military-idUSKCN1AW1PT">Major-General Mohammad Baqeri</a> paid a visit to Turkey to explore possible synergies in counter-terrorism and the Syrian conflict. This is a clear indication of a significant improvement in bilateral ties. It has also been reported, that their high-level officials are likely to meet again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While New Delhi has strong ties with both, and this has been a challenge in the past, the tensions were also to the benefit of India. Due to tensions between Iran and GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, New Delhi could also pressurise both sides to urge Pakistan to take action against terror groups. Apart from strengthening of India-US ties, Saudi Arabia has been apprehensive about India getting too close to Iran. This has resulted in Riyadh not just adopting a more nuanced stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and extraditing terrorists, but also strengthening security cooperation with India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While currently, India is bogged down with numerous domestic challenges, and other foreign policy priorities, especially with China,&nbsp;a close watch should be kept on Iran&rsquo;s next moves not just in the context of its deal with the US, but also on&nbsp;its ties with Pakistan and GCC countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>*Sandeep Sachdeva is an Independent Policy Analyst associated with The Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonipat.</p>


Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India.

By: Tridivesh Singh Maini & Sandeep Sachdeva* New Delhi, while consistently expanding strategic and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and Israel, has also sought to strengthen ties with Tehran, which has tense relations with both. The Nuclear Deal of 2015, signed between Iran and (P5+1) countries opened new vistas for India in Iran, which is strategically located and is India’s potential gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. During his visit to Iran in 2016, PM Modi signed an agreement, not just committing financial assistance to the tune of 500 Million USD for phase 1 of the development of the Chabahar Project, but also a three nation agreement with Iran and Afghanistan for establishing a land, transit and trade corridor. India will build a 500-km rail line from Chabahar port from the southern coast of Iran to Zahedan, close to the Afghan border, at a cost of $1.6 billion as part of the transit corridor to Afghanistan. "It will open new routes for India, Iran, and Afghanistan to connect among themselves," said PM Modi with regard to the corridor. India’s main aim was to get access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Pakistan has continuously opposed India’s entry into the APTTA (Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement), even though Afghanistan has been in favour of India joining the agreement. APTTA is a transit trade agreement as it is quite evident from its name. Currently, Afghan goods can come into India, but trucks stop at Wagah (Pakistani side of the border). India, however, has been deprived of land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Given India’s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump’s unpredictability. × There have been some hitches with regard to the Chabahar project kicking off by 2018. The companies which are to develop customised equipment jetties and container terminals were not willing to take part in the bidding process. The banks were not ready to facilitate the financial transactions involving Iran due to the uncertain policies of Trump administration towards Iran. Apart from this, there was a delay in loan disbursement of $ 150 million with India and Iran blaming each other for the delay. Transport minister, Nitin Gadkari who attended Iranian President Rouhani’s swearing in on August 5, 2017, categorically stated: "India and Iran have been historically sharing special ties. We are keen on developing Chabahar Port and are hopeful of starting operations in 12 to 18 months." US-Iran ties India, however, needs to carefully observe Trump’s warnings to Iran on the nuclear deal. Iran has categorically stated, that it will quit the Nuclear Deal if more sanctions are imposed. Rouhani's exact words were: "Iran could quit the nuclear deal within hours if the US imposes more sanctions." Even though Iran has followed the conditions of the deal, Trump has threatened about imposing sanctions. The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, however, has made it clear on umpteen occasions, that the US will not scrap the deal. Interestingly, Tillerson has also stated, that he and the US President have differences over the deal. Whereas President Trump is in favour of calling off the deal and imposing new sanctions, secretary of state Tillerson subscribes to the view, that America should not strike the deal rather engage with Iran to bring stability in the neighbourhood, especially in Iraq and Syria by holding it accountable. Given India’s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump’s unpredictability. Iran-Pakistan ties New Delhi should also observe carefully Iran’s support for Pakistan, particularly after Trump’s speech on August 21 where he warned Pakistan to take more concrete action against terror groups operating on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Iran came to the defence of Pakistan, with foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi saying: "What presently the US is highlighting to condemn other countries with is the result of years of wrong and inappropriate policies of Americans in the countries of the region, especially Afghanistan.” Iran already has strong economic ties with China, moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. × Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. New Delhi has been trying to jointly work with both Afghanistan and Iran much to the chagrin of the Pakistan army. Significantly, in May 2017, Iran had taken a tough stance against certain terror groups operating from Pakistan, warning that it would hit the bases of Sunni militant groups operating in Pakistan. In April 2017, Ten Iranian border guards had been killed by militants and Iran blamed Sunni groups operating from Pakistan. Major General Mohammad Baqeri, head of the Iranian armed forces had said, “If the terrorist attacks continue, we will hit their safe havens and cells, wherever they are.” Middle East New Delhi should also be watching the gradual softening of Iran towards Saudi Arabia and Turkey. On the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul earlier this month, the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia met and exchanged greetings. Earlier this month Iranian chief of staff of the armed forces, Major-General Mohammad Baqeri paid a visit to Turkey to explore possible synergies in counter-terrorism and the Syrian conflict. This is a clear indication of a significant improvement in bilateral ties. It has also been reported, that their high-level officials are likely to meet again. While New Delhi has strong ties with both, and this has been a challenge in the past, the tensions were also to the benefit of India. Due to tensions between Iran and GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, New Delhi could also pressurise both sides to urge Pakistan to take action against terror groups. Apart from strengthening of India-US ties, Saudi Arabia has been apprehensive about India getting too close to Iran. This has resulted in Riyadh not just adopting a more nuanced stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and extraditing terrorists, but also strengthening security cooperation with India. While currently, India is bogged down with numerous domestic challenges, and other foreign policy priorities, especially with China, a close watch should be kept on Iran’s next moves not just in the context of its deal with the US, but also on its ties with Pakistan and GCC countries. *Sandeep Sachdeva is an Independent Policy Analyst associated with The Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonipat.

India should be careful about Iran's softening of stance towards Pakistan and China

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As 56 million Iranian&rsquo;s prepare to cast their ballots they face a critical choice i.e. to go for a more reformed globally engaged Iran or to go back into isolation. The choice of voters is also going to have a bearing on what sort of foreign policy is expected out of Tehran. The elections come at a very complex time for Iranian leadership as they face both domestic as well as external challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the conservatives are highlighting the western non-action post the signing of the deal, the current Rouhani government has been trying hard to sell the economic benefits of the nuclear agreement with the permanent members of UN Security Council (P5+1). President Rouhani has succeeded in bringing Iran out of the isolation that it was under conservative President Ahmadinejad. The success of his approach can be displayed from the fact that Iran is at present one of the major regional players and party to solutions with respect to the situation in Syria and Yemen. The ideological support provided by Iran to the regime in Syria and Houthi rebels in Yemen has made their position indispensable at the regional power table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>At the time of lifting of sanctions, Iran economy was reeling under pressure and needed doses of investment as well as access to international markets and financial institutions. Under the nuclear deal, over 90 per cent of nuclear-related sanctions were lifted. Among the most important sanctions lifted were secondary sanctions on the Central Bank and Iran&rsquo;s commercial banks, on selling and investing in oil as well as gas projects, on transportation including shipping lines and commercial aviation industry. The economy of Iran is now growing, and the regime has struck major deals with western companies in oil and gas sector as well as aviation sector, while its integration to the international financial system was restored on the day deal came into force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IMF&rsquo;s outlook had predicted GDP growth of 6.6 per cent in 2016-17 due to an increase in oil production, after facing a contraction of 2 per cent in 2015-16. Following the nuclear deal, Iran is now seeking investment in different sectors. On the other hand, these deals have made countries and companies think of resuming their commercial ties with Iran. But the elections are seen as a referendum on how President Rouhani has performed in the economic front after the nuclear agreement was signed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rouhani has steadied the Iranian economy and brought down inflation but unemployment is high and his opponents have questioned whether his administration has done enough to bring noticeable economic benefits. However, the uncertainty created by the election of President Trump and his comments on the nuclear deal has raised concerns about the future. In addition, the defeat of President Rouhani would deal a blow to the country&rsquo;s reformists and bring hardliners back in power. Rouhani&rsquo;s main challenger is the influential hardline politician Ebrahim Raisi, who has been touted as a frontrunner to succeed Supreme Leader Khamenei.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>If the conservatives win, it will be a blow to Indian interests in Chabahar port project, which has been languishing for years</h5>
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<p>The outcome of the election is going to have a huge impact on regional power dynamics and how countries engage with Iran in the future. Though Iran is likely to continue with its pragmatic policy towards the US and the West in general, a conservative government would alienate Russia and give the US, Saudi Arabia and Israel more reason to push back against Iran&#39;s strategy in Iraq, Syria and the Gulf region. Therefore, these elections are hugely significant in shaping Tehran&rsquo;s foreign and domestic policy.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran&rsquo;s election is also going to have a bearing on how India deals with the new government. If the conservatives win, it will be a blow to Indian interests in Chabahar port project, which has been languishing for years mostly due to various economic sanctions on Iran. Indian firms are still sceptical about investing or dealing with Iranian enterprises. Given the economic significance of Chabahar port, the elections could complicate and even jeopardise India&rsquo;s financial transactions and technology imports from the world, wherein countries like Japan and South Korea are expected to chip in. Chabahar has emerged as a pivotal node in India&rsquo;s outreach to its extended neighbourhood, particularly its Look West policy. India envisions to reach out to the Persian Gulf and Central Asia through the trade corridors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As much as Iranians, for political and economic reasons, the world population from Tokyo to Washington DC is waiting with baited breath for the result. &nbsp;</p>


The outcome of the election is going to have a huge impact on regional power dynamics and international engagement with Iran in the future

As 56 million Iranian’s prepare to cast their ballots they face a critical choice i.e. to go for a more reformed globally engaged Iran or to go back into isolation. The choice of voters is also going to have a bearing on what sort of foreign policy is expected out of Tehran. The elections come at a very complex time for Iranian leadership as they face both domestic as well as external challenges. While the conservatives are highlighting the western non-action post the signing of the deal, the current Rouhani government has been trying hard to sell the economic benefits of the nuclear agreement with the permanent members of UN Security Council (P5+1). President Rouhani has succeeded in bringing Iran out of the isolation that it was under conservative President Ahmadinejad. The success of his approach can be displayed from the fact that Iran is at present one of the major regional players and party to solutions with respect to the situation in Syria and Yemen. The ideological support provided by Iran to the regime in Syria and Houthi rebels in Yemen has made their position indispensable at the regional power table. The ideological support provided by Iran to the regime in Syria and Houthi rebels in Yemen has made their position indispensable at the regional power table × At the time of lifting of sanctions, Iran economy was reeling under pressure and needed doses of investment as well as access to international markets and financial institutions. Under the nuclear deal, over 90 per cent of nuclear-related sanctions were lifted. Among the most important sanctions lifted were secondary sanctions on the Central Bank and Iran’s commercial banks, on selling and investing in oil as well as gas projects, on transportation including shipping lines and commercial aviation industry. The economy of Iran is now growing, and the regime has struck major deals with western companies in oil and gas sector as well as aviation sector, while its integration to the international financial system was restored on the day deal came into force. The IMF’s outlook had predicted GDP growth of 6.6 per cent in 2016-17 due to an increase in oil production, after facing a contraction of 2 per cent in 2015-16. Following the nuclear deal, Iran is now seeking investment in different sectors. On the other hand, these deals have made countries and companies think of resuming their commercial ties with Iran. But the elections are seen as a referendum on how President Rouhani has performed in the economic front after the nuclear agreement was signed. Rouhani has steadied the Iranian economy and brought down inflation but unemployment is high and his opponents have questioned whether his administration has done enough to bring noticeable economic benefits. However, the uncertainty created by the election of President Trump and his comments on the nuclear deal has raised concerns about the future. In addition, the defeat of President Rouhani would deal a blow to the country’s reformists and bring hardliners back in power. Rouhani’s main challenger is the influential hardline politician Ebrahim Raisi, who has been touted as a frontrunner to succeed Supreme Leader Khamenei. If the conservatives win, it will be a blow to Indian interests in Chabahar port project, which has been languishing for years × The outcome of the election is going to have a huge impact on regional power dynamics and how countries engage with Iran in the future. Though Iran is likely to continue with its pragmatic policy towards the US and the West in general, a conservative government would alienate Russia and give the US, Saudi Arabia and Israel more reason to push back against Iran's strategy in Iraq, Syria and the Gulf region. Therefore, these elections are hugely significant in shaping Tehran’s foreign and domestic policy. Iran’s election is also going to have a bearing on how India deals with the new government. If the conservatives win, it will be a blow to Indian interests in Chabahar port project, which has been languishing for years mostly due to various economic sanctions on Iran. Indian firms are still sceptical about investing or dealing with Iranian enterprises. Given the economic significance of Chabahar port, the elections could complicate and even jeopardise India’s financial transactions and technology imports from the world, wherein countries like Japan and South Korea are expected to chip in. Chabahar has emerged as a pivotal node in India’s outreach to its extended neighbourhood, particularly its Look West policy. India envisions to reach out to the Persian Gulf and Central Asia through the trade corridors. As much as Iranians, for political and economic reasons, the world population from Tokyo to Washington DC is waiting with baited breath for the result.

The vote in Iran is crucial for the world, particularly India

<p>India, Iran and Afghanistan are keen on expediting the agreement on Chabahar port which will open a new gateway for their development and connectivity, India&#39;s senior minister Nitin Gadkari said today.</p>

<p>A transit deal on the Chabahar port in Iran will give India access to Afghanistan and Europe by bypassing Pakistan. India will invest $500 million to develop the port after a pact was signed with Iran in May.</p>

<p>Afghanistan signed a transport and transit pact with India and Iran in order to augment business opportunities between the three countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We are keen on expanding scope of cooperation to cover development of entire Chabahar Port...This port is going to open a new gateway not only for the development of India but at the same time development of Afghanistan and Iran. This is a win-win situation,&quot; shipping, road transport and highways minister Gadkari told PTI after holding a meeting with delegates from Iran and Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today&#39;s meeting was held barely&nbsp;a fortnight after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, during their talks here, had emphasised on accelerating&nbsp;the trilateral pact.</p>

<p>&quot;We will try to complete the project within the time schedule. We are also finding out what are the new things for which we will have opportunity for development and investment. The Iranian minister has given lots of innovative suggestions regarding the development of business,&quot; Gadkari said.</p>

<p>&quot;We are in the process and our prime minister is very keen on the project...The distance between Kandla to Chabahar is less than the distance between Delhi to Mumbai. So there are lots of opportunities. Gas and petroleum products in Iran are available. We will get the market of Afghanistan also and the material from Afghanistan to Chabahar will be accessible to India.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gadkari and the visiting ministers today pored over the contract today in a bid to finish the project on time.</p>

<p>They also stressed on the need for expanding scope of cooperation to cover development of entire Chabahar port, projects for funding by EXIM Bank of India and reviewing participation of India in the Chabahar-Zahedan rail construction project.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


India's senior minister Nitin Gadkari said the country was committed to developing the Chabahar port in Iran

India, Iran and Afghanistan are keen on expediting the agreement on Chabahar port which will open a new gateway for their development and connectivity, India's senior minister Nitin Gadkari said today. A transit deal on the Chabahar port in Iran will give India access to Afghanistan and Europe by bypassing Pakistan. India will invest $500 million to develop the port after a pact was signed with Iran in May. Afghanistan signed a transport and transit pact with India and Iran in order to augment business opportunities between the three countries. "We are keen on expanding scope of cooperation to cover development of entire Chabahar Port...This port is going to open a new gateway not only for the development of India but at the same time development of Afghanistan and Iran. This is a win-win situation," shipping, road transport and highways minister Gadkari told PTI after holding a meeting with delegates from Iran and Afghanistan. Today's meeting was held barely a fortnight after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, during their talks here, had emphasised on accelerating the trilateral pact. "We will try to complete the project within the time schedule. We are also finding out what are the new things for which we will have opportunity for development and investment. The Iranian minister has given lots of innovative suggestions regarding the development of business," Gadkari said. "We are in the process and our prime minister is very keen on the project...The distance between Kandla to Chabahar is less than the distance between Delhi to Mumbai. So there are lots of opportunities. Gas and petroleum products in Iran are available. We will get the market of Afghanistan also and the material from Afghanistan to Chabahar will be accessible to India." Gadkari and the visiting ministers today pored over the contract today in a bid to finish the project on time. They also stressed on the need for expanding scope of cooperation to cover development of entire Chabahar port, projects for funding by EXIM Bank of India and reviewing participation of India in the Chabahar-Zahedan rail construction project. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India, Iran and Afghanistan look to expedite Chabahar pact

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