India takes over Iran's crucial Chabahar port

India Ports Global Ltd on Monday took over control of the Shahid Beheshti terminal of strategically important Chabahar port, even as officials of India, Afghanistan and Iran agreed on the routes for trade and transit corridors between the three countries.

The port, which India has helped develop, is important as it will allow India bypass Pakistan in accessing not just Iran and Afghanistan but also much of Central Asia. The three countries will hold an event in February to promote and popularise the potential of Chabahar port.

The first meeting of the follow-up committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar agreement between Afghanistan, India and Iran at the level of Joint Secretary or Director General was held in the Iranian port city of Chabahar, Ministry of External Affairs said.

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.