Afghanistan has sent five consignments to
India from Iran’s Chabahar Port since February 2019, the Ministry of External
Affairs told Lok Sabha in what can be viewed as rebutting reports alleging the
port’s Phase-1 developed and run by India is dysfunctional after US decided to
re-impose sanctions on Iran.
India Ports Global Limited successfully
handling cargo since December 2018
India Ports
Global Limited took over port operations in December 2018 and has been
successfully handling cargo since then, according to a reply provided by MEA to
Lok Sabha responding to a query on status of India’s role in the strategically
located port.
Chabahar Port ensures India connects Afghanistan,
Central Asia, Russia and other parts of Eurasia while Pakistan denied its
territory
Chabahar Port
is a major regional initiative by India to ensure connectivity to Afghanistan,
Central Asia, Russia and other parts of Eurasia in the backdrop of Pakistan’s
denial of connectivity through its territory. The port has also received
consignments from India and elsewhere for Afghanistan.
“India is
participating in the development of the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in
Chabahar in cooperation with the government of Islamic Republic of Iran. The
Indian company, India Ports Global Limited, has taken over port operations in
December 2018 and has been successfully handling cargo since then. Afghanistan
has also started using the port facility. It has sent its first consignment to
India through Chabahar Port in February 2019. Subsequently, it has sent four
more consignments to India through Chabahar Port,” the Ministry’s reply reads. |