Indian PM: Chabahar Port Will Boost Trade With Afghanistan, Central Asia

The India Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s connection to Afghanistan and Central Asia through the Chabahar port.

Indian media outlets reported that Narendra Modi has spoken about expanding trade exchanges between India and Central Asian countries and the implementation of a ten-year agreement to develop the Chabahar port.

The Indian Prime Minister added: “India will work for ensuring that our efforts promote regional connectivity, trade and commerce, including to and from the landlocked Afghanistan and the Central Asia region. This is also embedded in our vision to promote connectivity including through the International North South Transport Corridor, as also the India-Middle East -Europe Economic Corridor.”

Meanwhile, officials in the Islamic Emirate also consider the development of the Chabahar port beneficial for the countries in the region.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “We are in favor of better economic relations with all countries, and the Chabahar port should be expanded. The more activity there is in Iran’s Chabahar port, the more economic stability in the region is strengthened, benefiting Afghanistan, and we support it.”

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said: “Afghanistan-India trade in 2023 was worth $773 million, of which $579 million were exports and $200 million were imports.”

The Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines also considered the development of the Chabahar port beneficial for trade and transit activities among the countries in the region, especially Afghanistan and India.

Sakhi Ahmad Payman, the first deputy of the Chamber of Industries and Mines, said: “If investment in the Chabahar port increases and develops, it gives Afghanistan the opportunity to both increase transit levels and revenue and to utilize an alternative route.”

Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced the provision of land and the establishment of a special zone in Iran’s Chabahar port for the country’s traders, stating that this zone has facilitated export and import activities for Afghan traders.