Afghanistan sends first export consignment to India from Chabahar port

The first consignment of Afghan exports to India through Chabahar port was flagged off by President Ashraf Ghani in a ceremony at Zaranj, Nimroz province, Afghanistan.

The ceremony was attended by the ambassadors of India, Iran, Turkey and diplomats of Indonesia and Kazakhstan. The commencement of Afghan exports to India through Chabahar port in Iran has opened a new route to promote trade between India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

In December 2018, India Ports Global Limited had taken over operations at the Shaheed Behesti port in Chabahar. India, Afghanistan and Iran had earlier agreed on the routes of the trilateral trade and transit corridor through Chabahar.

Bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan has seen a jump of over 40% in 2018-19, crossing $1 billion. On February 26, a ‘Chabahar Day’ business event will be held at Chabahar port, said an official. “This event will provide an opportunity to India, Afghanistan, Iran and central Asian countries to explore further potential of the port for promoting regional connectivity and trade with landlocked countries through Chabahar port.”