The trilateral framework with Iran and Armenia complements India’s larger goals under the INSTC and the Persian Gulf-Black Sea Corridor
The second India-Iran-Armenia Trilateral Consultations were held in New Delhi on Thursday (December 12, 2024), marking a significant step in advancing regional cooperation, connectivity, and trade. Senior officials from all three nations gathered to discuss shared objectives, including connectivity initiatives, engagement in multilateral platforms, and fostering people-to-people ties.

The Indian delegation was led by JP Singh, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs’ PAI (Pakistan Afghanistan Iran) Division. Representing Iran was Hashem Ashja’ Zadeh, Director General of the South Asia Division, and Armenia’s delegation was led by Anahit Karapetyan, Head of the Asia-Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions in New Delhi built upon the outcomes of the first trilateral consultations held in Yerevan, Armenia, in April 2023. During these consultations, participants emphasized the strategic importance of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port as crucial connectivity hubs.

Iran, Armenia, and India also explored avenues to promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges while strengthening regional stability through multilateral cooperation. Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative was highlighted as a key regional connectivity effort.

Focus on INSTC and Chabahar Port
At the heart of the discussions was the INSTC, a multi-modal trade route that connects South Asia with Europe through Iran and the Caucasus. All three nations reiterated their commitment to enhancing the functionality of the corridor, with Iran’s Chabahar Port playing a central role.

The Chabahar Port is particularly critical for India’s regional connectivity strategy, serving as a gateway to landlocked Central Asia and bypassing traditional routes through Pakistan. The port’s strategic importance was further underscored by its exemption from unilateral sanctions, enabling uninterrupted development and operations.

Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative was positioned as complementary to INSTC, providing additional connectivity routes through the Caucasus. This aligns with Iran’s efforts to develop the Persian Gulf-Black Sea Corridor, strengthening transit and trade links with Europe.

The trilateral cooperation among India, Iran, and Armenia has emerged as a counterbalance to other regional alliances, such as the Azerbaijan-Turkey-Pakistan grouping. By focusing on “soft balancing” through economic and transit initiatives rather than military alliances, the three nations aim to foster stability and development in the South Caucasus and beyond.

Iran’s involvement in Armenia’s Syunik province and its opposition to the proposed Zangezur Corridor promoted by Azerbaijan underscore its strategic interest in maintaining influence in the region. These efforts align with Russia’s approach to balance power dynamics in the South Caucasus, signaling broader geopolitical considerations.

Challenges in Infrastructure Development
While the INSTC holds immense promise, infrastructure challenges in Armenia, such as inadequate transit routes and the absence of rail connectivity with Iran, remain significant barriers. The North-South highway linking Yerevan with Meghri on the Iranian border is narrow and often impassable in winter, slowing trade.

In contrast, Azerbaijan’s well-developed transit infrastructure offers a more efficient route within the INSTC. Iran, however, is actively exploring ways to shift some trade traffic from Azerbaijan to Armenian and Georgian routes, further integrating the Persian Gulf-Black Sea Corridor.

For India, the trilateral framework with Iran and Armenia complements its larger goals under the INSTC and the Persian Gulf-Black Sea Corridor. These initiatives strengthen India’s access to Central Asia and the Black Sea, enhancing its geopolitical and economic footprint in regions where competitors like China and Pakistan are increasing their influence.

The three nations reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation through continued trilateral consultations. The next round of discussions will be held in Iran at a mutually convenient date, reflecting the sustained momentum in this growing partnership.

By leveraging strategic connectivity projects like the INSTC and Chabahar Port, the India-Iran-Armenia trilateral framework is poised to strengthen trade, transit, and diplomatic ties, fostering stability and growth across South Asia, West Asia, and the South Caucasus.
As infrastructure development and policy alignment continue, this partnership signals a new era of collaboration, shaping the future of regional and global connectivity.