India and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 22 to recognise certificates of competence for unlimited voyages in an effort to facilitate the movement of seafarers between the two nations in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978).
During a bilateral meeting, Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Rostam Ghasemi and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal signed the MoU. Sonowal is in Iran for three days.
“The Union Minister emphasised once more how crucial the bilateral ties between the two nations are. At the discussion, the Union Minister emphasised the importance of Chabahar as a commerce multiplier for the area because the port’s potential to serve as a quick, cost-effective trade route between Central Asia and South Asia, and even South East Asia, has not yet been fully realised, according to a statement from the Ministry.
According to the statement, more than 4.8 million tonnes of bulk cargo have been handled at Shahid Beheshti Port since India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL) took over management of the port’s operations. The port is expected to act as a catalyst to unlock the enormous trade potential in the region thanks to close cooperation between India’s IGPL and Iranian stakeholders, including Iran’s Port and Maritime Organization, Iranian Customs Administration, the Chabahar Free Zone Authority, the Shahid Behesti Port Authority, and other stakeholders, it said.
In an effort to lessen the threat of locusts on agriculture and improve food security in the region, India supplied 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of a humanitarian assistance programme and 40,000 litres of Malathion 96% ULV pesticide to Iran via Chabahar port. Sonowal also commissioned six mobile harbour cranes to Indian Ports’ Global Chabahar Free Trade Zone (IPGCFTZ), the statement added. (The Hindu)
