India will develop and operate Iran’s strategic Chabahar Port for 10 years, marking a historic moment in Indian and Iran ties and regional connectivity, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in Tehran, after the signing of the agreement.
The Chabahar Port located on Iran’s south-western coast has easy access to India’s west coast.
It also forms a crucial link in the International North-South Transport Corridor. The long-term contract will give a significant boost to economic activities and establish the growing role of the two countries in developing global trade and commerce.
As it is reported by India’s press information bureau (PIB), “Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited Chabahar, Iran on 13 May 2024 to witness the signing ceremony of Long-term Main Contract for the development of Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal, Chabahar.”
According to PIB, the contract was signed between India Port Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) of Iran.
The signing of the long-term bilateral contract on Chabahar Port Operations took place in Tehran, Iran in the presence of Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, and India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, among others.
Led by relentless effort of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the agreement not only strengthens links between two great nations but also places India’s firm footstep in the global supply chain and maritime sector, Sarbananda Sonowal told reporters after the signing of the agreement.
India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, specifically said: “This is a realisation of Modi Ji’s vision of enhancing global trade by providing an alternate trade route to India for Iran, Afghanistan, Eurasia and Central Asian Republics.
“India’s operation of Chabahar Port will also be significant in providing humanitarian aid, opening new vistas in fostering peace and stability in the region.
“Under the leadership of prime minister Modi, the momentous agreement that began on 23rd May, 2016, is culminating today into a long term contract, symbolising the enduring trust and depending partnership between India and Iran. Today we witnessed the signing of the long term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal.”
The Ministerial visit and signing of the Long-term Contract will further strengthen ties between the two nations and highlights the importance of Chabahar as a gateway for trade with Afghanistan and broader Central Asian countries.
#WATCH | Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal says, " Under the leadership of PM Modi, the momentous agreement that began on 23rd May, 2016, is culminating today into a long term contract, symbolising the enduring trust and depending partnership… https://t.co/uoV2yeUYVg pic.twitter.com/qDMSxxbwcC
— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024
