reaction to u.s. possible sanctions against India after the latter Signed a 10-year agreement Regarding the operation of Iran’s Chabahar port, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said people should not have “narrow views” as the project will “benefit everyone”.
“I saw some of the comments,” Jaishankar said in Kolkata on Tuesday, referring to remarks by Vedant Patel, the principal deputy spokesman for the U.S. State Department.
“But I think it is a matter of communication, persuasion, making people understand that this (Chabahar port) is actually for the benefit of everyone. There should not be any narrow-minded view on this,” EAM said.
Jaishankar said the US had not viewed Chabahar “negatively” in the past, adding that the US itself “appreciated” Chabahar’s “greater relevance”.
Jaishankar also explained why India could not sign a long-term deal earlier despite its long-standing relationship with the project.
“There were various issues on the Iranian side, such as changes in joint venture partners, conditions, etc. In the end, we were able to resolve the issue and reach a long-term agreement. This deal was necessary because without it, there can be no real improvement in port operations . We believe that its operation will benefit the entire region.
Indian Ports Global Ltd (IPCL) and Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) on Monday signed a long-term bilateral contract.
Chabahar is a flagship project between the two countries and an important transit port for trade with Afghanistan and landlocked countries in Central Asia. Under the contract, the Indian government provided credits worth $250 million to develop infrastructure around this strategic facility in the Gulf of Oman.
(with ANI input)