Context: The Indian Foreign Secretary recently engaged in talks with the Iranian Foreign Minister in Tehran to explore opportunities for improving connectivity via the strategic Chabahar port.

18th India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations: Key Focus on Connectivity, Trade and Regional Stability

• Enhancing Connectivity: The talks focused on enhancing connectivity through the strategic Chabahar port 
• Discussed Regional and Global Issues: Both sides exchanged views on current regional and global issues, including developments in Afghanistan and Gaza. 
• Global South Summit: India appreciated Iran’s participation in the Voice of Global South Summits held this year.

About Chabahar port Project

• Chabahar Port: It is a collaborative development between India and Iran aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade relations.
• Location: It is situated in the Sistan-Balochistan province along Iran’s energy-rich southern coast. Its location lies in the Gulf of Oman. The port gives access to the energy-rich Persian Gulf nations‘ southern coast.

• Aim: India has actively advocated for the Chabahar port project, highlighting its capacity to promote regional trade, especially in terms of enhancing connectivity to Afghanistan.
• Part of INSTC: Chabahar port is recognized as a crucial center for the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project. 
  • The INSTC is a comprehensive multi-mode transport initiative spanning 7,200 kilometers, designed to facilitate the movement of freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Why Chahbahar project Significant to India?

• Chabahar is vital for both India and Iran to reduce their dependence on the Suez Canal for transporting cargo to Europe.
• Chabahar is a strategic port from an Indian perspective it is easily accessible from India’s western coasts, it serves several important functions. 
• India can reduce its commute time to Central Asia by one-third help to strengthen economic tieswith region. 
• It Provide  link betweenIndia and  Afghanistan without going through Pakistan.
• It provide an Indian strategic counter to Pakistan’s Gwadar port being developed by China.

Further Reading: Armenia Explores Joining International North South Transport Corridor, International North South Trade Corridor

News Source: Mint