In a major boost to country’s efforts to support war-ravaged Afghanistan, India has formally taken over operations at Chabahar port in Iran. India can now ship supplies to Afghanistan while bypassing Pakistan.

A crucial trilateral meeting of officials from India, Afghanistan and Iran on the strategically-important Chabahar port was held on December 24 during which they agreed on the routes for trade and transit corridors between the three countries.

On the occasion, India Ports Global Limited company opened its office and took over operations at the Shaheed Behesti port at Chabahar.

AFP

“Positive and constructive discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement for international transit and transport through the Chabahar Port. They agreed on the routes for the trade and transit corridors between the three countries,” the MEA said, reported PTI.

It was decided to hold an event to promote and popularise the potential of Chabahar on February 26, 2019.

A study would also be initiated for determining measures to make the route attractive, decrease logistic costs and pave the way for smooth operationalisation of the Chabahar Agreement.