Jaishankar: Chabahar Port benefits region despite US warning

16 May 2024 CW Team

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar remarked that the Chabahar port would benefit the entire region, emphasising the need to avoid a narrow perspective, in response to the US warning about potential sanctions for countries engaging in business with Iran. He mentioned during a program in Kolkata that historically, the US has acknowledged the broader significance of the Chabahar port.

India entered into a 10-year contract to manage the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar, aiming to enhance trade with Central Asia.

Jaishankar elaborated on India's longstanding relationship with the Chabahar port, highlighting previous challenges in signing a long-term agreement. He explained that overcoming these obstacles was crucial for enhancing port operations, which he believed would have positive implications for the entire region.

Regarding certain comments made about the situation, Jaishankar stressed the importance of effective communication and persuasion to convey that the initiative benefits everyone involved. He emphasized the historical perspective, noting that even the US has recognized the broader significance of Chabahar in the past, expressing determination to address any concerns.

Situated in the Sistan-Balochistan province on Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port, originally proposed by New Delhi in 2003, offers Indian goods access to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), bypassing Pakistan.

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