External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that the project will help the entire region and people should not take a “narrow view” of it a day after the US warned of a “potential risk of sanctions” following India’s signing of a 10-year agreement to administer the Chabahar Port in Iran.
He also mentioned how the US had already acknowledged Chabahar’s greater significance.
The EAM was addressing a discussion that followed the Wednesday launch of his book “Why Bharat Matters” in Bangla in Kolkata.
When questioned about the comments made by the US, Mr. Jaishankar responded, “I saw some of the remarks that were made, but I think it’s a question of communicating, convincing, and getting people to understand that this is actually for everyone’s benefit. People shouldn’t have a limited perspective on things, in my opinion.”
“In the past, they (the US) have not done so. Thus, if you consider the US’s perspective on the port in Chabahar, you will see that the US has been grateful for Chabahar’s greater significance. We will continue to work toward it,” he continued.
The United States issued a warning earlier on Tuesday, saying that “anyone” thinking of doing business with Tehran should be mindful of the “possible risk of sanctions.”
“I would just say…US sanctions on Iran remain in place, and we will continue to enforce them,” Vedant Patel, the principal deputy spokeswoman for the US State Department, stated at the press briefing.
“Any entity or anyone considering business deals with Iran, need to be aware of the potential risk they are opening themselves up to, potential risk of sanctions,” he stated.
On Monday, Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organization (PMO) of Iran signed a Long-Term Bilateral Contract on Chabahar Port Operation, allowing Shahid-Behesti port to operate as part of the Chabahar Port Development Project for ten years.
Mr. Jaishankar went on to say that the long-term deal that New Delhi signed would help the entire area because it was able to resolve various concerns.
“Although we have known the Chabahar Port for a long time, we were never able to reach a long-term contract.” The Foreign Minister stated, “The reason was…there were various issues on the Iranian end…the joint-venture partner changed, the condition changed.”
The Chabahar Port, an India-Iran flagship project, is crucial for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. A long-term agreement is necessary to improve port operation and benefit the entire region, with India playing a key role in its development.
The Indian government has invested in the port’s infrastructure and upgraded facilities to make it a viable transit route for Indian goods destined for Afghanistan and Central Asia.