• By Vivek Raj
  • Wed, 15 May 2024 08:48 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to the Chabahar Port project in Iran, asserting its regional benefits, a day after the US cautioned against business deals with Tehran due to potential sanctions risks. Speaking at the launch of the Bangla edition of his book 'Why Bharat Matters' in Kolkata, Jaishankar stressed that the Chabahar project will benefit the entire region and urged against taking a narrow view of its significance.

"I did see some of the remarks which 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. I don't think people should take a narrow view of it," Jaishankar said.

Addressing concerns raised by the US, Jaishankar highlighted past appreciation from the US regarding the broader relevance of the Chabahar Port.

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"They (US) have not done so in the past. So, if you look at the US' own attitude towards the port in Chabahar, the US has been appreciative of the fact that Chabahar has a larger relevance...we will work at it," he added.

The United States on Tuesday warned of the "potential risk of sanctions" for entities considering business deals with Iran.

"I would just say...US sanctions on Iran remain in place and we will continue to enforce them," the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel said at the press briefing.

"Any entity, anyone considering business deals with Iran, they need to be aware of the potential risk they are opening themselves up to, potential risk of sanctions," he added.

The Long-Term Bilateral Contract signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran enables the operation of Shahid-Behesti port in the Chabahar Port Development Project for 10 years.

Despite the warning, India proceeded with the signing of the contract between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, which enables the operation of the Shahid-Behesti port in the Chabahar Port Development Project for 10 years.

Jaishankar highlighted India's longstanding association with the Chabahar Port project, noting previous obstacles in signing a long-term agreement. However, New Delhi successfully addressed these issues, enabling the recent signing, which is expected to enhance port operations for regional benefit.

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"We have had a long association with the Chabahar Port, but we could never sign a long-term agreement. The reason was...there were various problems on the Iranian end...the joint-venture partner changes, the condition changed," the Foreign Minister said.

The Chabahar Port, a flagship project between India and Iran, serves as a vital transit hub for trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. India's investment in the port's infrastructure aims to establish it as a key transit route for Indian goods destined for these regions.