WANA (Feb 16) – Iran and India remain determined to collaborate on the strategic Chabahar Port, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday. He noted that while Tehran is aware of discussions between India and the United States regarding the port’s sanctions exemption, the final decision rests with New Delhi.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Muscat, Araghchi highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations. “Iran and India share a long-standing relationship as two ancient Asian civilizations. Our bilateral cooperation will continue despite challenges,” he stated.

 

Chabahar Port: A Strategic Commitment

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its 10-year agreement with India on the development of Chabahar Port. He underscored the port’s significance as a key link connecting India to Iran and Central Asia.

 

“We have a decade-long agreement with India regarding Chabahar, and both sides are determined to uphold their cooperation,” he said. The port plays a vital role in regional trade and connectivity, and overcoming obstacles remains a shared priority, he added.

 

India’s state-run company, IPGL, signed a long-term investment deal in May 2024 to equip and operate container and general cargo terminals at Chabahar’s Shahid Beheshti Port. The agreement, signed by Iranian and Indian ministers of transport and ports, spans a period of 10 years.

 

Sanctions and Trade Challenges

Addressing the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Chabahar’s sanctions exemption, Araghchi stated, “We are aware that India is consulting with the U.S. on this matter, and we leave it to them to make the necessary decisions.”

 

Despite external pressures, he reiterated that Iran-India trade remains active. “There have been ups and downs in our economic relations, but both sides are committed to continuing their cooperation. Challenges have not stemmed from Iran or India, but rather from third-party interventions,” he remarked.

 

Regarding financial transactions, Araghchi noted that Iran has successfully engaged in trade using local currencies and barter mechanisms to bypass sanctions. He suggested that India could explore similar avenues to maintain economic exchanges.

 

Diplomatic Efforts on Humanitarian Issues

On another note, Araghchi addressed India’s request for Iran’s assistance in securing the release of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen on charges of murdering a Yemeni citizen. He confirmed that Tehran has been in contact with Yemeni authorities on the matter.

 

“We are in discussions with our Yemeni counterparts regarding this case and other humanitarian issues. Tomorrow in Muscat, I will meet with Yemeni representatives to explore possible solutions,” he said.