According to reports, India is poised to finalise an agreement with Iran to oversee the operations of Chabahar Port for the next decade, a move viewed as a noteworthy diplomatic gesture towards Iran.
As per the Economic Times (ET), India’s Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, is anticipated to journey to Iran for the signing ceremony on Monday.
Upon signing, this agreement will represent India’s inaugural foray into managing a port abroad.
Analysts in the fields of politics and strategy perceive India’s assumption of management responsibilities at Chabahar Port, recognised as a vital conduit for India’s connectivity with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the broader Eurasian region, as a means to counterbalance Pakistan’s Gwadar port and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Plans are underway to integrate Chabahar Port with the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), facilitating connectivity between India and Russia via Iran.
Given the ongoing tensions surrounding critical global trade routes, the timing of the Indian minister’s visit for the signing of the agreement is deemed significant.
