‘Gate for global trade’: Why Abbas Araghchi turned spotlight on THIS port? Here’s why it is key to India-Iran ties

India-Iran relations: India hosted a two-day BRICS foreign ministers meeting (May 14-15) on Thursday, which also saw participation of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The development is seen as a key in boosting ties between New Delhi and Tehran.

The Iranian leader highlighted several major points, including the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Meanwhile, Araghchi also turned the spotlight to a major port, which serves as the key relations between India and Iran.

Which port stands as a major symbol of India-Iran ties?

Araghchi on Friday hailed the Chabahar Port as a "major symbol of cooperation" between Tehran and New Delhi, urging India to persist with its strategic investments despite the mounting pressure of US sanctions.

Addressing the media following the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Araghchi also called upon India to leverage its "good reputation" to take on a more prominent diplomatic role in stabilising the volatile West Asian region."

‘Golden gate for global trade’

Araghchi described it as a "golden gate" for global trade."This port will be like a golden gate for India to access Central Asia, the Caucasus and then Europe, and also for Europeans, Central Asians and others to access the Indian Ocean," the Foreign Minister asserted.

He expressed a firm desire for New Delhi to remain committed to the project's completion, stating, "I hope that Indians would continue their work in Chabahar Port so it would be fully developed at the service of the interests of India and other countries around." Beyond economic ties, Araghchi lauded India's balanced diplomatic approach amidst the ongoing regional friction.

He suggested that New Delhi is uniquely positioned to act as a peacemaker in the Persian Gulf, a region currently caught in the crossfire of US-Iran tensions. "India, with its good reputation, can play a greater role in this region to help diplomacy and to promote peace and security. India is a friend to all countries in the Persian Gulf," he remarked.

While welcoming India's "positive constructive role," Araghchi struck a sterner tone regarding Washington, describing the current ceasefire as being on "shaky grounds."

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi skipped the meeting as his presence is required in Beijing for US President Donald Trump's three-day state visit, which coincides with the BRICS gathering, reported PTI.