Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar discussed the creation of a long-term framework for the Chabahar project, the Red Sea Crisis, and other regional issues during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Amir-Abdollahian, on Monday.
During his two-day visit to Iran, the EAM met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as well as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian.
Final Agreement on Chabahar, Regional Connectivity
“In particular, we discussed India’s involvement in the development and operation of the Chabahar port, a joint project with a joint vision of connectivity,” Jaishankar said during a press conference after the meeting with Abdollahian.
The Chabahar port is located in southeastern Iran in the Gulf of Oman and being developed jointly by India and Iran. It will allow India to bypass Pakistan in supplying goods to Afghanistan.
My remarks at the joint press conference with FM @Amirabdolahian in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/udtA4MgYqt
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 15, 2024
The EAM highlighted India’s dedication to this initiative and talked about how to create a solid, long-term framework for India’s continued engagement in the project for the foreseeable future.
He emphasised the importance of the project for both nations and stressed the need to monitor its progress under the direct supervision of the political leadership.
Additionally, the two parties examined the chances for energising the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
INSTC is a 7,200 km multi-mode rail-road network for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
Jaishankar further discussed the long-term framework and INSTC during his meeting with the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash.
According to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, during the meeting, the two sides reached a final agreement to develop the Chabahar port.
Discussions on Gaza, Kerman Attack
Jaishankar expressed condolences over the recent Kerman attack that killed over 100 Iranians in his meeting with the Iranian President.
The EAM and his Iranian counterpart also expressed concerns about the recent events in the Middle East and emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities.
The two sides discussed the situation in Gaza and focused on the loss of civilian lives during their talks.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism and said that it is imperative to avoid loss of civilian life in any conflict situation.
“There is a visible humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed, and the creation of sustainable humanitarian corridors is the need of the day,” the joint statement read.
The EAM reiterated India’s long-standing support to the two-state solution, whereby Palestinians are able to live freely in an independent country within secure borders.
He urged all parties to avoid escalatory actions and to engage in dialogue and diplomacy.
Red Sea Crisis Impacting Indian Interests
Referring to the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea, Jaishankar said that there has recently been a “perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean.”
Held wide ranging discussions today in Tehran with Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 15, 2024
Our bilateral discussion focused on the long term framework for India’s involvement with Chabahar port and the INSTC connectivity project.
Also spoke about threats to maritime shipping in the… pic.twitter.com/e5PNyrgRfD
He highlighted that there have been some attacks in the vicinity of India and that it is a matter of great concern to the international community.
Stressing the impact of the situation on India’s energy and economic interests, the EAM said that there is a need to recognise that the situation does not benefit any party.
The leaders also discussed the developments in Afghanistan and the Caucasus.
Jaishankar expressed confidence that the talks will further enhance India and Iran’s understanding of each other’s positions on important regional and global issues.