EAM S Jaishankar holds 'productive discussions' on Chabahar port in Tehran

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Iranian urban development minster Mehrdad Bazrpash and held productive discussions on Chabahar port and also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor.Taking to X, Jaishankar said, "Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development @mehrdadbazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North South Transport Corridor."Situated in the Sistan-Balochistan province along Iran's energy-rich southern coast, the Chabahar port is a joint development project between India and Iran aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade relations.India has been advocating for the Chabahar port to bolster regional trade, particularly its links to Afghanistan.During a connectivity conference in Tashkent in 2021, Jaishankar highlighted the Chabahar port as a crucial regional transit hub, including its significance for Afghanistan.Additionally, the port plays a pivotal role in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport initiative facilitating freight movement among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.As part of his two-day visit, Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, to discuss various key issues, including the evolving security situation in the Red Sea. The ministers will address bilateral, regional, and global concerns, with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity through the Chabahar port.Jaishankar's visit to Tehran comes amid global apprehensions regarding Houthi militants targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US and the UK have initiated airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. India, closely monitoring the situation, engaged in discussions with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which the Red Sea developments were a significant topic.In response to the maritime challenges, the Indian Navy has increased the deployment of frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations, particularly in the North and Central Arabian Sea, addressing the critical sea lanes.With inputs from agencies