In a significant move, an Indian delegation met Afghanistan’s acting Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob
Indian Official Meets Afghan Defence Minister
In a significant move, an Indian delegation met Afghanistan’s acting Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob and offered the use of Chabahar Port in Iran to businesses in his country, and also discussed extending humanitarian assistance to Kabul. The delegation was led by J P Singh, the Joint Secretary of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the External Affairs Ministry.
During a weekly media briefing here, EAM spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said that apart from Mohammad Yaqoob, the delegation also met with former President Hamid Karzai and other senior ministers, along with the heads of UN agencies. “They had discussions on India’s humanitarian assistance, also how the Chabahar Port can be utilised by the business community in Afghanistan for transactions and for export and import and any other thing that they would like to do,” Jaiswal said in response to a question.
India does not recognise the Taliban regime that has been ruling Afghanistan since 2021. India has been providing humanitarian aid, including wheat, medicines and medical supplies, to the Afghan people from time to time.
Prime Minister meets with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Kazan on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit.
2. Prime Minister congratulated H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as the 9th President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also welcomed Iran in the BRICS family. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in various fields. Noting that the signing of the long-term contract of Chabahar Port is an important milestone in bilateral relations, the two leaders reaffirmed its significance for reconstruction and redevelopment of Afghanistan and enhancing trade and economic linkages with Central Asia.
3. The leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in West Asia. Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the widening of the conflict and reiterated India’s call to de-escalate the situation. Prime Minister also emphasized on protection of civilians and the role of diplomacy in resolving the conflict.
4. The leaders agreed to continue their cooperation in various multilateral forums, including BRICS and SCO. Prime Minister invited President Pezeshkian to visit India at an early date. President Pezeshkian accepted the invitation.
Significance of Chabahar Port for India Chabahar Port holds significant geopolitical importance for India for several reasons:Â Access to Afghanistan and Central Asia: Chabahar Port serves as a strategic gateway for India to access landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
