 "India and Iran struck a ten-year deal earlier this week that allowed Indian activities at the port of Chabahar")
India said on Friday that the US has demonstrated an understanding of the significance of the Chabahar Port operations for continued humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan and that a “narrow view” should not be taken on the long-term agreement. This came days after the US warned of sanctions following India and Iran’s sealing of the deal on Chabahar port.
“The US has shown an understanding of the importance of the Chabahar port operations for continued humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan and to provide Afghanistan with economic alternatives. I would like to reiterate what the EAM had earlier said that we should not take a narrow view of this issue,” Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
India and Iran struck a ten-year deal earlier this week that allowed Indian activities at the port of Chabahar.
“India’s commitment towards the Chabahar port is to realise its potential as a connectivity hub for Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, which are landlocked,” Jaiswal said.
According to him, India Ports Global Limited, an Indian business, has been running the port under a temporary lease since 2018.
“Since then, we have provided humanitarian assistance, including 85,000 metric tons of wheat, 200 metric tons of pulses and 40,000 litres of pesticide Malathion, to Afghanistan through this port. Now, we have concluded a long-term agreement which is essential for port operations,” Jaiswal said.
India and Afghanistan are working to improve communication and economic relations at the Chabahar port, which is situated in the Sistan-Balochistan region on the southern coast of energy-rich Iran.