Iran and India Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Development of Chabahar Port

Indian and Iranian officials signed a cooperation memorandum aimed at developing the strategic Chabahar port. This comes as the United States has warned against signing trade agreements with Iran before reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal. According to the report by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the cooperation memorandum between Tehran and New Delhi was signed on Wednesday, May 5, by Abbas Akhoundi, Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development, and Nitin Gadkari, India's Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping. With the signing of this contract, Indian companies will lease two existing docks at Chabahar port to operate as a container and multipurpose cargo terminal. Iran and India had previously agreed to develop Chabahar port in 2003, but the implementation of this agreement has made very little progress due to Western sanctions against Tehran. However, following the signing of a $46 billion agreement between China and Pakistan regarding energy and infrastructure, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to sign trade agreements with Gulf countries and Iran. According to Abbas Akhoundi, the new Indian government is 'determined to make a significant investment in equipping and developing Chabahar port.' He stated that India's investment in Chabahar port would be $85 million for the first phase and $100 million for the second phase. This contract has been signed between Tehran and New Delhi while the U.S. has warned that there is no guarantee that global powers will reach an agreement with Iran regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Reuters reported comments from Richard Verma, the U.S. Ambassador to India, emphasizing that while sanctions do not resolve the issue, they could compel Iran to reach an agreement. One of the advantages of Chabahar port for India is access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, thus eliminating the need to transit through Pakistan, which the Afghan government also considers very important. In this context, Khan Jan Alkozai, Deputy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, told Radio Free Europe’s Afghan service that 'Afghanistan is reviving its transit point. Job opportunities are being created for the people. It is beneficial for all three countries in every way. It is especially important for Afghanistan. Here, a corridor means a new passage is being created.' Meanwhile, India’s Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping described Chabahar port as an 'important' and 'strategic' area for the Indian government and emphasized the use of the port's capacities. Nitin Gadkari finally stated, 'We are ready to expand our cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran and invest in railways as well.' In this context, an Indian delegation is going to Iran to negotiate the possibility of investment. China’s $46 billion investment in Pakistan raises concerns and hopes for Iran. The Iranian Minister of Economy stated that India owes Iran about $7 billion. Iran's imports have decreased by 23%. Zanganeh reported on India's €7 billion debt to Iran. The changing landscape of 'proxy wars'; the war against the people in the streets of Iran. The first paragraph; the responsibility of the opposition and the likelihood of radicalization of Iranian society. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iran crisis.