NEW DELHI, March 15 (TNS): Days after Iran invited China and Pakistan to participate in development of the Chabahar port, India on Thursday said it was the prerogative of the Iranian government to choose its partners for the project, Indian media reported.
Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif, during a three-day visit to Islamabad, invited Pakistan and China to participate in the strategic Chabahar Port project, saying it is not aimed at “strangulating” or “encircling” anybody.
“It is the prerogative of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to choose its partners for the development of infrastructure facilities there,” Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing.
The first phase of the Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman was inaugurated four months ago, opening a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.
India has been a key partner in the development of the port which is easily accessible from India’s western coast and is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, being developed with Chinese investment.
“As you are aware, India is supporting the development of Chahbahar Port as a robust and alternate access route to and for Afghanistan and Central Asia,” said Kumar, adding significant progress has been made in operationlising the port.
In November last year, India delivered the first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port.
Courtesy: Times of India
