Chabahar project discussed between India and Iran, Foreign Secretary Kwatra co-chaired the FOC meeting
The Foreign Secretary discussed with the Iranian Foreign Minister the current situation in West Asia arising out of the Hamas-Israel conflict to enhance connectivity through the strategic Chabahar port. Arindam Bagchi said that both sides agreed to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation in various fields. Current regional and global issues, including Afghanistan and Gaza, were also discussed, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Muskan 
India-Iran has discussed boosting connectivity through the Chabahar port project. Foreign Secretary Vinay Quatra met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran on Sunday. The Foreign Secretary discussed with the Iranian Foreign Minister the current situation in West Asia arising out of the Hamas-Israel conflict, enhancing connectivity through the strategic Chabahar port.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the two sides agreed to further strengthen ongoing cooperation in various fields. Bagchi said on the occasion that the Foreign Secretary discussed bilateral matters, and connectivity projects including Chabahar port in his meeting with the Foreign Minister of Iran. Quatra's visit to Tehran is significant as it comes amid growing global concerns over the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
In Tehran, the Foreign Secretary also co-chaired the India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) meeting with Ali Bagheri Kani, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of political affairs. Both sides reviewed bilateral relations, including Chabahar port, political engagement, trade and economic relations, and capacity-building initiatives.
Current regional and global issues, including Afghanistan and Gaza, were also discussed, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Quatra also met Mehdi Safaree, the Iranian deputy foreign minister in charge of economic affairs.
Chabahar port, located on the southern coast of Iran, is being developed by India and Iran. This is important for promoting connectivity and trade relations. India is emphasizing the Chabahar port project to boost regional trade, especially for connectivity with Afghanistan.
Chabahar Port is also seen as a key hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project. INSTC is a 7,200 km long multi-mode transport project to transport freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.
