India set to secure ‘long-term arrangement’ for Iranian Chabahar port

India is expected to secure a “long-term arrangement” with Iran for the management of the Iranian Chabahar port, Reuters reported on Monday quoting the Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar as saying.

This statement came after announcement that India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is heading to Iran.

The development of the Chabahar port, situated on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, has been a key focus for India.

It serves as a crucial route for transporting goods to Iran, Afghanistan, and central Asian countries, circumventing Pakistan’s ports in Karachi and Gwadar. However, the progress of the port has been hindered by US sanctions on Iran.

Indian Foreign Minister emphasised that finalising a long-term arrangement would pave the way for increased investments in the port.

Meanwhile, Minister Sonowal’s visit to Iran suggests significant upcoming developments.

Sources close to the shipping ministry anticipate the signing of a pivotal contract during Sonowal’s visit, likely granting India a long-term lease of a portion of the port.

Moreover, reports suggest that this lease could span 10 years and grant India management control over specific areas of the port.