NEW DELHI — India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht Ravanchi, held discussions on Friday in New Delhi, focusing on the situation in Afghanistan and the development of the strategic Chabahar Port, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The meeting, part of the 19th round of India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations, covered a broad range of bilateral issues, including agricultural cooperation, trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.
“Discussions also covered current regional and global developments, including the situation in Afghanistan, West Asia, and the South Caucasus,” the ministry’s statement said. Mr. Misri emphasized the importance of Chabahar Port in supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction and economic development. Both nations reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Chabahar’s strategic role
The Chabahar Port, located on Iran’s southeastern coast, is a key component of India’s regional strategy to enhance connectivity and provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. In May 2024, India’s External Affairs Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to the project, describing it as essential for both regional development and supporting the Afghan people.
Iran has also emphasized the port’s potential to connect Afghanistan to international trade networks. In November, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s special envoy to Afghanistan, announced plans to expand Chabahar’s role in facilitating Afghanistan’s access to global markets. During a meeting with Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s deputy chief minister for political affairs, Mr. Qomi stressed Iran’s commitment to activating the port’s strategic capabilities.
India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran last year to develop and operate the Chabahar Port, signaling New Delhi’s long-term commitment to the project. The initiative is seen as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy in the region, enabling it to bypass Pakistan to access Afghanistan and Central Asia while promoting trade and humanitarian aid.
India has consistently voiced support for Afghanistan during its ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis. At a press conference in 2024, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reiterated New Delhi’s “unwavering support” for the Afghan people, calling it a “consistent policy.”
The Chabahar Port’s role remains a focal point in regional connectivity efforts, with both India and Iran underscoring its strategic importance in fostering stability and economic development in Afghanistan and beyond.
