Chabahar Port functional & Indian company handling cargo: MEA in Lok Sabha

 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.