Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal leaves for Iran; to assess progress of Chabahar port

Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade ties.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on August 18 left for Iran on a four-day visit during which he will assess the progress of the first phase of the Chabahar port and interact with senior functionaries of the Central Asian countries and explore business opportunities.

Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade ties.

"During my visit to Iran, I will assess the progress of the Chabahar port and look for business opportunities between South Asia and Central Asia," Mr. Sonowal told PTI before leaving for Tehran.

The Minister said he will hold discussions with Iranian government functionaries, meet stakeholders of the Chabahar port and attend business-to-business (B2B) meetings to explore trade potential.

Mr. Sonowal's visit to Iran came a fortnight after India hosted an event on 'Chabahar Day' to promote 'Chabahar — Link to INSTC — Connecting Central Asian Markets'.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is India's vision and initiative to reduce the time taken for EXIM shipments to reach Russia and Europe, and enter the Central Asian markets.