India and Iran Reach New Agreement on Chabahar Port Project

India and Iran have reached a new long-term agreement on the Chabahar port project, replacing the previous yearly contract with a ten-year term that automatically extends. The original contract only covered India’s operations at Shahid Beheshti Terminal in Chabahar, but the new agreement encompasses a broader cooperation framework and discussions on the International North-South Transport Corridor. This update comes after Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s meeting with Iranian Roads and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash in Tehran.

Since 2016, India has been advocating for the Chabahar port project to enhance regional trade and connectivity to Afghanistan. The port is also seen as a critical hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor. Foreign Minister Jaishankar had previously highlighted the potential for the Chabahar port to become a key regional transit point during a connectivity conference in Tashkent. Additionally, discussions between Indian and Iranian officials have focused on improving connectivity through Chabahar and addressing the current situation in West Asia.

The new long-term agreement between India and Iran regarding the Chabahar port project reflects a significant development in their cooperation and regional connectivity efforts. With India’s continued push for this project, the port is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing trade and transit in the region, particularly to Afghanistan.

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