India & Iran discuss prospects of energising International North South Transport Corridor
Describing regional connectivity as a critical pillar of the India-Iran relationship, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reiterated India’s commitment to the strategically-important Chabahar Port project.
 
Speaking after meeting Iranian Foreign Minister H Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran on Monday (January 15, 2024), he said, “Regional connectivity has been a critical pillar of India-Iran relations, and was naturally prominent in the agenda of today's discussions. I reiterated India's interest in benefiting from Iran's unique geographical position to access markets in Central Asia, Afghanistan and Eurasia. We discussed the prospects of energising the International North South Transport Corridor”.

Elaborating on this in his Joint Press Statement with the Iranian Foreign Minister, he said they discussed India's involvement in the development and operation of the Chabahar port and described it as “a joint project with a joint vision of connectivity”. EAM Jaishankar added that he emphasised India's commitment to this project, and discussed how the two sides could establish “a firm, sustainable and long-term roadmap, for India's continued involvement over the coming years”.
 
During the talks, he also emphasised the need to monitor its progress under the direct supervision of the political leadership.
 
Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar met Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash and discussed the development of a long-term cooperation framework for the Chabahar port, a strategic asset in the Sistan-Balochistan province on Iran's southern coast.
During his meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister, EAM Jaishankar also highlighted the “perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean” was a matter of great concern to the international community.

“Obviously, it also has a direct bearing on India's energy and economic interests. This fraught situation is not to the benefit of any party and this must be clearly recognised,” he said.
 
‘Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Needs to be Addressed’
The two ministers exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the situation in West Asia, the conflict in Ukraine and developments in Afghanistan.
 
“Both of us are concerned about the recent events in West Asia, which some call Middle East; and we emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities,” EAM Jaishankar stated. While highlighting India’s “long-standing and uncompromising position against terrorism in all forms and manifestations,” he also called for avoiding the loss of civilian life in any conflict situation.

Referring to the loss of civilian lives, especially that of women and children, in Gaza, EAM Jaishankar said, “There is a visible humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed and the creation of sustainable humanitarian corridors is the need of the day. We welcome the international community’s efforts in that direction. India itself has delivered shipments of relief material to Gaza and contributed to the UNRWA”.
 
He also used the opportunity to reiterate India's support for a two-state solution on Palestine.
 
Farsi Joins India’s Circle of Nine Classical Languages
EAM Jaishankar stated that Persian (Farsi) has been included as one of the nine classical languages in India's New Education Policy, deepening the cultural, literary, and linguistic ties between India and Iran. “Iran and India are united by our deep cultural, literary and linguistic ties, which create a unique foundation for increasing exchanges of tourists, students, artists, athletes, and scholars,” he explained.
While in Tehran, EAM Jaishankar called on Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and expressed condolences over the Kerman attack.

"Honoured to call on the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Ebrahim Raisi @raisi_com. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi. Expressed condolences over the Kerman attack. 

Apprised him of my productive discussions with the Iranian Ministers. Value his guidance for further development of ties," he posted on social media platform X .

He also met with Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian and discussed bilateral and regional issues.

EAM Jaishankar's visit, following Iran's BRICS membership last year, underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation and the role of both nations in shaping global discourse.