‘Symbol of cooperation’: Iran’s envoy calls Chabahar Port key to regional connectivity, shared growth with India | India News
Iranian envoy calls Chabahar port key to regional connectivity, sharing growth with India
New Delhi: Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fatali gave this description on Monday Chabahar port Symbolizing the strong partnership between India and Iran, the project said it plays an important role in promoting common development and regional connectivity.Addressing a reception organized by the Iranian Embassy in India on the occasion of Iran’s National Day, Ambassador Fatali said the relationship between the two countries is rooted in thousands of years of shared history and civilization. He noted that this long-standing cultural connection provides a strong foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation.“Relations between Iran and India are rooted in thousands of years of shared history and civilization and are based on common culture,” the ambassador said, news agency ANI reported. “This rich heritage is a valuable resource for expanding bilateral cooperation. The Chabahar Port project, as a symbol of cooperation between our two countries, plays an important role in common development and regional connectivity,” he added.
India has reiterated its commitment to bilateral relations
Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, CB George represented India as the chief guest at the reception. He extended warm greetings to the government and people of Iran and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations.In a post on X, MEA said, “Secretary (West) CB George represented India as the Chief Guest at the Iran National Day reception organized by @Iran_in_India. He extended warm greetings to the Government and people of Iran and reiterated India’s enduring commitment to bilateral relations”. India first proposed the development of Chabahar port in 2003 to create an alternative route for Indian goods to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia through road and rail links under the International North-South Transport Corridor, bypassing Pakistan. US sanctions on Iran over its suspected nuclear program have previously slowed progress on the project.To implement India’s role, a long-term agreement was signed between Indian Ports Global Limited and Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization, replacing the initial 2016 agreement with annual extensions. In recent years, Chabahar has been used for key shipments, including a support shipment of 20,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan in 2023.
