Three direct shipping lines launches from Chabahar to India, UAE

According to Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation (PMO), three direct container shipping lines have been launched from southeastern Chabahar Port to Nhava Sheva and Kandla ports in India and Jebel Ali Port in United Arab Emirate (UAE). Iran and India had earlier launched shipping lines between Chabahar and the Indian ports of Mumbai and Mundra. In 2017, the first shipping route was operational between Chabahar Port in Iran and Mumbai ports. In 2019, Iran and India inaugurated the second direct shipping route, passing through Mumbai, Mundra, Kandla, Chabahar, and Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. India is using these shipping routes to transit goods to Afghanistan, Persian Gulf nations and countries in Central Asia. Through the Chabahar port, India can skip Pakistan and transport goods to Afghanistan and Central Asia countries, while Afghanistan can get linked to India by sea. Iran has awarded India the project to install and operate modern loading and unloading equipment, including mobile harbour cranes in Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar. The Chabahar port in southeastern Iran is the only ocean port on the Makran coast, which has a special place in Iran's economic affairs. Last year, Indian PM Narendra Modi called on Central Asian countries to benefit from the capacities of Chabahar Port for expanding their trade and commerce in the region. Image Source Also read: Ports and shipping ministry to execute 101 projects by 2024-25