India, Iran sign 10-year agreement for Indian operations at Chabahar port
India and Iran sign 10-year agreement allowing Indian operations at Chabahar port, enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity.
India and Iran sealed a significant long-term agreement in Tehran, marking a milestone in Indian operations at the Chabahar port. New Delhi pledged a credit line of $250 million to enhance infrastructure at this strategic Gulf of Oman facility.
The signing ceremony, attended by India's ports and shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal and his Iranian counterpart Mehrdad Bazrpash, solidified India's commitment to Chabahar's long-term development. Sonowal underscored the agreement's importance, highlighting its role in bolstering India's engagement with Chabahar and its broader connectivity aspirations with Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
Sonowal's visit, coinciding with India's general elections, underscored New Delhi's prioritization of the Chabahar port and its pivotal role in regional connectivity initiatives. The agreement signifies a significant step forward in India's strategic involvement in Chabahar's development.
The minister emphasized the transformative potential of the agreement, anticipating a positive impact on Chabahar's viability and visibility. He hailed Chabahar's strategic significance as the closest Iranian port to India and lauded its favorable nautical attributes.
The agreement signals India's long-term commitment to Chabahar's growth and underscores its strategic importance in India's maritime strategy. By providing financial support for infrastructure development, India aims to strengthen Chabahar's position as a key gateway for trade and connectivity in the region.
Chabahar holds immense potential as a strategic maritime hub, facilitating trade and transit routes between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond. The agreement reaffirms India's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic development through collaborative initiatives with its partners in the region.
Overall, the signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone in India-Iran relations and sets the stage for enhanced cooperation in maritime infrastructure development and regional connectivity.