Doval Visits Iran Amid Islamic Republic's Growing Closeness To China, Discusses Chabahar Port Project

India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, visited Tehran on Monday (1 May), where he held discussions with the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on growing India-Iran economic relations as well as the Chabahar project and other topics.

The NSA was on a one-day trip to Iran. The Iranian President Raisi reportedly told Doval that the SCO and BRICS could be effective in light of the changing global geo-political scenarios.

This trip comes amid the growing closeness of the Islamic Republic with the Chinese. Notably, China played a significant role in facilitating a peace agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, resulting in the first meeting between the Iranian and Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministers in seven years, which took place in Beijing.

Doval met Iran's NSA Ali Shamkhani, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, as well.

"Doval and Amirabdollahian exchanged views on development of the Chabahar port, ways to deal with terrorism, issues relating to bilateral banking and the situation in Afghanistan," a statement released by the Iranian foreign ministry said.

The Iranian foreign minister urged for increased trade ties and hoped that the upcoming 'Joint economic commission' meeting in Tehran will invigorate relations.

Doval discussed global developments and suggested areas for Tehran and New Delhi to collaborate, as per the statement. “Doval then stressed on the necessity of putting in place a roadmap of cooperation between the two nations within the framework of a long-term partnership,” the statement added.

Quick operationalisation of Chabahar port was also discussed in talks where Doval highlighted its importance for Central Asia.

“In their meeting, Amirabdollahian and Doval also exchanged views over the joint work of Iran and India in Chabahar, bilateral banking issues, the sanctions removal talks and regional issues, including the developments in Afghanistan,” the statement said.

"During his meeting with Ajit Doval, Iranian President Raisi referenced his September meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Samarkand and expressed a mutual desire to enhance economic and commercial relations between the two countries," the Iranian President Office said.

The President office added, Raisi noted that Iran and India can develop their cooperation to a new level to "have an impact on the developments caused by the establishment of the new world order”.

The Iranian President praised the SCO and BRICS and said that both the SCO and BRICS could be a useful platforms to tackle numerous issues related to global developments.

Doval visit to Iran is happening prior to the SCO foreign ministerial meeting in Goa this week. India is the current chair of the SCO and Iran will become a permanent member at the upcoming annual summit.

The speedy implementation of Chabahar project is a crucial aspect of India and Iran's bilateral relationship. Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi urged quick implementation of the Chabahar port project and its use by India for shipping. The key transit hub will be advantageous for both countries, he said.

Elahi also urged India to look beyond Chabahar's economic perspective, as well. India, Iran, and Afghanistan are jointly developing the Chabahar port in the energy-rich Sistan-Balochistan province to enhance trade and connectivity.