Future Generations to Reap Benefits of Chabahar: Iran

Rouhani made the remarks in Thursday talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In the meeting, the Iranian president described India as a very important Asian country, and hailed its long-standing relations with Iran.

Rouhani said Tehran and New Delhi can develop their bilateral relations in scientific, research and economic fields.

He further highlighted the two countries’ efforts to overcome the recent obstacles on the way of banking and energy relations, and appreciated India’s investment in developing the first phase of Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran.

“Today, Iran, India and Afghanistan are enjoying the advantages of this important project, and the region’s current and future generations will benefit from it,” he said.

He also pointed to the Kashmir issue, and called on Modi to adopt an approach that resolves the people’s problems in that region.

In turn, Prime Minister Modi referred to his recent visit to Iran and said, “My meeting with the Supreme Leader was very good and constructive, and he treated my so friendly that I felt at home.”

The Indian premier also stressed that his country has always supported Iran’s right to use peaceful nuclear energy and that India only recognises the UN sanctions.

At the end of the meeting, Rouhani invited the Indian Prime Minister to visit Iran again.

In a historic visit, Modi visited Tehran in May 2016 at the head of a large delegation in a bid to boost economic and political ties with the Islamic Republic.

During his stay, Iran and India signed 14 cooperation agreements, including an agreement to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar, which lies in the Gulf of Oman.

Iran and India agreed to develop the strategic Chabahar Port in 2003. The project, however, was suspended following the imposition of sanctions against Iran over the country’s nuclear program.

The first phase of the port was inaugurated in December 2017 by Rouhani, opening a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.