India, Iran ink nine agreements after delegation-level talks led by Narendra Modi and Hassan Rouhani in Delhi

[caption id=“attachment_4356323” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] India and Iran signed nine agreements, including on connectivity and double taxation following delegation-level talks led by prime minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Delhi. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4356325” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] The duo also signed a significant pact which gives New Delhi operational control of a part of the strategically located Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman for 18 months. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4356327” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] The agreement was signed after Modi held wide-ranging talks with Rouhani, focussing on ramping up regional connectivity and intensifying bilateral trade and investment. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4356367” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] The two sides also reiterated their commitment to the International North- South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and stressed on the need for inclusion of Chabahar within its framework. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4356377” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] Officials in the ministry of external affairs said both the sides were for reaching a conclusion on the Farzad-B gas field issue soon. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4356381” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] The Iranian side welcomed the investment of Indian side in setting up plants in sectors such as fertilisers, petrochemicals and metallurgy in Chabahar free trade zone on terms mutually beneficial to the concerned parties. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4356383” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] Indian Railway Construction International Ltd and Iran’s Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructure Company  which are engaged in discussions, were tasked to finalise the technical parameters and financing options for the project in a time bound manner. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4356389” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] Modi and Rouhani also released a joint postage stamp depicting Deendayal Port, Kandla and Shahid Beheshti Terminal, Chabahar, that reflected the enhanced prosperity through greater connectivity.PTI[/caption]