India and Iran today signed the long-term contract for the operation of the Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar. Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal witnessed the signing of the agreement between India Ports Global Ltd. and Ports and Maritime organisation of Iran. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sonowal said that with this  agreement , foundations have been laid for India’s long-term involvement at Chabahar. He said the signature of this contract will have a multiplier effect on the viability and visibility of Chabahar port. He added that Chabahar is not only the closest Iranian port to India, but it is also an excellent port from nautical point of view.

In a social media post, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this agreement will script a new chapter in bilateral partnership. The contract will give a boost to regional connectivity and India’s linkages with Afghanistan, Central Asia and Eurasia.

Our correspondent reports that it will enable India to lease for a long-time Chabahar port situated on Iran’s coast along the Gulf of Oman. It will also open up a new trade route between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran, bypassing Karachi as well as Gwadar ports in Pakistan. The agreement also opens up a new vista of economic opportunities for business communities to explore an alternative transit route from the sensitive and busy Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.