India pushes ties with Iran; hands over cranes for strategic Chabahar Port

NEW DELHI: India has stepped up engagements with its extended neighbour Iran by handing over cranes for the strategically located Chabahar Port within days of the Biden administration taking charge.

Ahead of the Iranian defence minister’s trip for the Aero India show and the Indian Ocean Defence Ministers’ meet, senior MEA officials visited Tehran to push various initiatives, including the Chabahar Port, where technical work has expanded over the last few weeks. Ministers from Iran are likely to visit India.

“Mr. J.P. Singh, JS(PAI) @Meaindia handed over two 140-ton mobile harbor cranes, the first shipment of equipment being supplied by India, for the development of phase-I of Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar,” tweeted the Indian Embassy to Tehran following the handing over of cranes on Sunday.



India is hoping to boost its involvement in the Chabahar Port, including a trilateral arrangement not only with Afghanistan but also with Uzbekistan. The Port is New Delhi’s key gateway to Afghanistan and its significance for India will increase as the landlocked country prepares for a political settlement. The Chabahar Port is a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific vision –– to connect Eurasia with the Indian Ocean Region.

On Saturday, Singh, at a meeting with Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs Abbas Araghchi invited him to visit New Delhi for the second level of political dialogue ahead of the bilateral Joint Economic Commission.

The two sides discussed regional and international developments and the issue of a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). There is anticipation that the US will return to JCPOA that would enable various countries, including India, to relaunch various energy and economic related initiatives.

“Mr. J.P. Singh, JS(PAI) @MEAIndia held DG-JS level talks with his Iranian counterpart, DG (South Asia), @IRIMFA_EN Rasoul Mousavi @rasmou in Tehran today. The talks afforded an opportunity to review bilateral issues & discuss regional issues. JS(PAI) also called on DFM @araghchi,” the Indian Embassy tweeted following Saturday’s meet.