India, Iran making efforts for linking Chabahar with INSTC

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 31

The regional vision to make Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar a transit hub was reflected in the presence of diplomats of all five Central Asian Countries, Iran and Afghanistan along with a strong Indian contingent led by Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at ‘Chabahar Day’ in Mumbai today.

Strengthening ties

This link will not only offer more connectivity, but will also drive investment, further supporting our cultural and political ties. Sarbanand Sonowal, Shipping minister

India has committed a grant of $85 million and credit facility of $150 million to modernise the port. The immediate spinoff has been providing “much-needed access to landlocked Afghanistan”, said MEA's Joint Secretary (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran) JP Singh. With the involvement of regional countries, it would become a more economical and stable route for landlocked countries to reach India and the global markets, he added.

India and Iran are making efforts to link Chabahar Port to the INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor), which will reduce the time for shipments to reach Russia, Europe, and enter the Central Asian markets.

Sonowal said he looked forward to businesses and logistics companies utilising the incentives of the Shahid Beheshti Port and Chabahar Free Trade Zone. “We urge all stakeholders to come forward with suggestions to reduce the transportation time and cost further to make a cheaper, shorter, faster and more reliable route from India to Iran and Central Asia,” he added.

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