In a significant diplomatic outreach, India has offered Afghan businesses access to Iran’s Chabahar Port for international trade, providing Afghanistan with a vital alternative for regional commerce. The proposal was discussed during a high-level visit by an Indian delegation led by Mr. JP Singh, Joint Secretary for the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Mr. Singh’s delegation held discussions in Kabul from November 4-5, meeting with key figures, including interim Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, confirmed that the delegation had “several meetings with Afghan ministers, including the acting Defence Minister, where they explored how Afghan businesses could utilize Chabahar Port for transactions, exports, imports, and other trade activities.” During the briefing in New Delhi, Mr. Jaiswal emphasized India’s dedication to bolstering Afghanistan’s economic framework, especially through Chabahar Port, which offers Afghan businesses a direct link to global markets, bypassing Pakistan’s restrictions on land routes. The visit also covered ongoing humanitarian assistance, a pillar of India’s support to Afghanistan. Mr. Jaiswal noted, “Providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan is an important part of our assistance program, and over the years, we have delivered shipments of wheat, medicines, and earthquake relief materials.” This initiative aligns with India’s policy of maintaining long-standing ties with the Afghan people, even though it has not recognized the Taliban regime.
The delegation’s meeting with former President Karzai highlighted the historic bond between India and Afghanistan. Mr. Karzai expressed his appreciation for India’s commitment, underscoring the importance of trade development and youth education for Afghanistan’s future. The offer of Chabahar access represents India’s intent to support Afghanistan’s economic revival and foster self-reliance among Afghan businesses amid challenging international circumstances. Although India has consistently avoided political engagements with the Taliban government, its aid to the Afghan population reflects a commitment to stability and growth. The Chabahar Port, located in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, serves as a strategic node in India’s regional connectivity vision. India’s recent 10-year operational agreement with Iran reinforces this commitment, positioning Chabahar as a key route for trade and humanitarian support to Afghanistan. This port, situated outside the Strait of Hormuz, provides an efficient gateway for India to reach Central Asia and beyond.
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