India in Talks With Stakeholders to Keep Chabahar Port Viable Amid West Asia Turmoil

India is holding discussions with various stakeholders to find a sustainable way forward for the Chabahar Port project, even as the conflict in West Asia and shifting regulatory regimes complicate regional cooperation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Tuesday.

Speaking after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Misri acknowledged that the months-long conflict has had an attendant impact on cooperation between countries in the region.

"There have been certain developments with regard to the Chabahar Port as well, especially with regard to the regime that was applicable in terms of the activities that could be carried out," Misri told a press briefing. He said India remains in touch with various stakeholders to continue this element of cooperation, which he described as beneficial to many in the region.

On the bilateral front, Misri said President Pezeshkian thanked India for its support for peace efforts, noting that the continuation of the war is in no one's interest. The Iranian leader also acknowledged India's civilizational and people-to-people ties with Iran and its role in supporting peace.

Misri said Prime Minister Modi has been in touch with virtually every leader from the region and beyond since the conflict escalated in late February, adding India's voice to efforts to end the war wherever feasible.

New Delhi has also consistently raised concerns over attacks on ships and mariners in regional waters, some of which have resulted in the deaths of Indian seafarers. Misri said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar remains in continuous contact with regional counterparts to explore ways to bring the conflict to a close.

On trade, Misri noted that current commercial exchanges between India and Iran are conducted between private parties, who must navigate international trading and financial pressures.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts affecting regional stability, commercial navigation, and maritime logistics. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi was among the senior delegates present.

PM Modi is in Kyrgyzstan for the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.