The long term bilateral contract for operating Chabahar Port was signed between Indian Ports Global (IPGL) of India and the Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran. This contract allows for the operation of the Shahid-Behesti section of the Chabahar Port Development Project for 10 years. The signing ceremony, which took place today, was attended by Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Mehrdad Bazrpash, Iran’s Minister of Roads & Urban Development.

Previously, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of Chabahar Port by India was signed in May 2015. The contract was subsequently executed on May 23, 2016, in Tehran during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Iran.

This agreement aims to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade, particularly between India, Iran and Afghanistan. The India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), a subsidiary of IPGL, facilitated the first consignment of exports from Afghanistan to India in 2019. The operations continued through short term contracts while negotiations on the long term agreement peaked pace with the visit of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to Chabahar in August, 2022. This 10 year long term lease agreement further strengthens the bilateral ties between the two countries while bolstering confidence & boosting trust of trading communities from the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Today is a historic day for the maritime sector of the region as India and Iran signed this Long Term Agreement on Chabahar Port heralding a new age of trade, marine cooperation as well as transshipment while boosting trilateral trade among India, Iran and Afghanistan. As India continues to invest in Chabahar Port, its efficiency and capacity will be further enhanced, solidifying India’s commitment to the region’s economic development. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s sustained engagement in Chabahar underscores its role as an anchor for Indian trade in the region while enhancing its role in the Global Supply Chain. India will use the port for humanitarian aid shipments reaffirming its commitment to support regional development beyond commercial interests, showcasing its commitment to fostering goodwill and stability in the region.”

Adding further, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Chabahar Port’s significance transcends its role as a mere conduit between India and Iran; it serves as a vital trade artery connecting India with Afghanistan and Central Asian Countries. This linkage has unlocked new avenues for trade and fortified supply chain resilience across the region. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India is on its way to become a major maritime player with a formidable supply chain network. The establishment of regular ship calls between Chabahar Port and Indian ports has instilled stability and confidence among traders, offering them visibility and predictability in their supply chain operations.”

Reaffirming Chabahar Port investment for boosting India’s economic growth, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “As envisaged by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, this project is also about encouraging Indian entrepreneurs to venture into the region from a long-term perspective. The port’s integration with a Special Free Zone augments its appeal, while India’s incentives, such as concessions on vessel-related charges and cargo charges, bolster trade flows through Chabahar, fostering economic growth and cooperation. While we are optimistic about a growing trade with a favourable Balance of Trade, this is an opportunity for India’s business entities to expand their footprints in the burgeoning Central Asian region. I must thank the leadership of Iran for their cooperation and support. The invaluable guidance by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji turned this project into a viable reality with a long term outlook.”

As part of the agreement, India wil procure MHCs, RMQCs, RTGCs, Reach Stackers, Forklifts, Pneumatic Unloaders etc at Chabahar Port. The agreement paves the way for enhanced trade and investment opportunities which will potentially boost India’s economic development.

Located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province on Iran’s south western coast, the Chabahar port is an important point on the Arabian Sea with easy access from India’s west coast. Kandla port in Gujarat is the closest to the Chabahar port at 550 Nautical Miles while the distance between Chabahar and Mumbai is 786 Nautical Miles. Since 2019, it has handled container traffic of more than 80,000 TEUs and Bulk and General Cargo of more than 8 million tons.

The Chabahar port project fosters trade ties and strengthens economic interdependence. The port aims to become a multiplier of economic activity in the region as well as creating job opportunities. Strategically situated, the port offers an alternative transit from Strait of Hormuz for cargo traffic between Central Asian Countries and Afghanistan. This diversification strengthens India’s strategic position in the region.

The port’s integration with a special free zone augments its appeal, while India’s incentives, such as concessions on vessel-related charges and cargo charges, bolster trade flows through Chabahar, fostering economic growth and cooperation.