The India-Iran-Afghanistan Route is now open. On Sunday first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan by sea through Iran’s strategic Chahbahar Port was send from Kandla Port.
The first shipment shipment, is a gift to Kabul and will be taken via a land route from Iran to Afghanistan. With opening of this Sea-land corridor, India has directly trade route up not only Afghanistan but also Central Asian republics in spite of Pakistan trying to hold the keys to the gate.
EAM @SushmaSwaraj flags off first shipment of wheat from India to Afghanistan through Chabahar port, Iran & Afghanistan joined the ceremony. pic.twitter.com/W7hKek66D9
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) October 29, 2017
With US unveiling a new strategy that calls for more of New Delhi’s involvement in the region and strong relationship with Russia, India is poised to make great inroads into the region and may be even take on the Chinese influence within SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that the shipment marked the convergence among India, Afghanistan, and Iran to spur an unhindered flow of commerce and trade throughout the region.
India, Afghanistan, and Iran last year decided to jointly establish a trade route for land-locked Central Asian countries. India committed up to $500 million for the development of the Chahabar Port along with associated roads and rail lines.
