Afghanistan, Chabahar Port and trade discussed between Indian and Iranian FMs

Chabahar Port Project is a major talking point between India and Iran.

In the first ever telephone call between external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Iran’s new foreign minister Amir Abdollahian, the two sides discussed the evolving situation in neighbouring Afghanistan and the most important connectivity project Chabahar Port Project.

Since this was the first call since he became the foreign minister of Iran, the external affairs minister congratulated him and it was agreed that the two countries will continue consultations on Afghanistan.

When evacuation operations were being carried out to bring back Indian citizens and Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, New Delhi was in constant touch with various other countries and agencies in the region including Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Qatar and the US. Till date 550 people have been evacuated and these include 260 Indians and other nationals.

Both ministers also talked about the vaccines. India had sent vaccines to Tehran to help in fighting COVID-19. And during the COVID-19’s second wave Iran had sent assistance to India.

During the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi in August, external affairs minister Jaishankar had represented.

In readout from that country, the foreign minister Amir Abdollahian emphasised a regional approach to “defuse the crisis in Afghanistan.’’ And he reiterated his country’s principled policy – “Supporting the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan. And it is made up of all Afghan ethnic groups”.

The project is one of the most important connectivity projects between India and Iran, which provides connectivity to Central Asia and Afghanistan. And it is also the most important link to the international North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) which will connect India to Moscow.

For more information visit www.ship-technology.com/projects/chabahar-port-expansion/

6th September 2021