India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal to enhance cooperation and make Chabahar Port a regional trade transit and connectivity hub.
- The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, witnessed the signing of the 10-year contract with Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash.
- India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) will invest approximately $120 million in equipping and operating the port under the contract.
- Chabahar Port serves as an important transit port for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries and is a flagship project of India-Iran cooperation.
- India has been involved in developing and upgrading Chabahar Port’s infrastructure to facilitate trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
- Chabahar Port is situated in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province and provides a shorter trade route between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
- India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) operates the Chabahar Port through its subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), since December 2018.
Q: India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating which port?
a) Chittagong Port
b) Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar
c) Port of Colombo
d) Port of Karachi
Ans : b) Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar
Q: What new trade route will be opened up by the agreement between India and Iran regarding the Chabahar port?
a) Between India and China
b) Between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran
c) Between India and Japan
d) Between South Asia and Europe via Iran
Ans : b) Between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran
