The Minister said this at a function which was attended by representatives from Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia

While observing ‘Chabahar Day,’ on Sunday, Minister of Port, Shipping and Waterways Sarbanand Sonwal said India’s vision is to make Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar a transit hub and linking it to INSTC to reach out to Central Asian countries.

At the function, held in Mumbai and attended by representatives from Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, the Minister said India looks forward to businesses and logistics companies to utilise the incentives of the Shahid Beheshti Port and Chabahar Free Trade Zone.

“We urge all representatives and stakeholders to come forward with suggestions to reduce the transportation time and cost further to make a cheaper, shorter, faster and more reliable from India to Iran and Central Asia,” he added.

Kazakhstan Ambassador Nurlan Zhalgasbayev, Kyrgyzstan Ambassador Asein Isaev, Tajikistan Ambassador Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, Turkmenistan Ambassador Shalar Geldynazarov Amassador, Uzbekistan Ambassador Dilshod Akhatov, Afghanistan’s Consul General Zakia Wardak, Iran’s Consul General Dr A. M. Alikhani and Advisor to the Minister & Head of the Centre for International Affairs of Ministry of Road and Urban Development of Iran Masoud Ostad Hossein.

During the event, the delegates from the Central Asian countries highlighted how Chabahar link with INSTC can play a vital role in boosting EXIM trade in their regions and its potential to further boost development in the landlocked countries.

During the day-long event, several presentations and Government to Business sessions took place. Presentations and speeches were given by Chairman IPA, MD IPGL, FFFAI and Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.