Armenia Mulls Joining Chabahar Port Project To Strengthen Trade Ties With India, Other Asian Nations

Armenia is currently engaged in discussions to join Iran's Chabahar Port project, aiming to open trade routes to India and additional Asian countries.

The South Caucasian country is reportedly hoping for early establishment of linkage between the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

“The Armenian delegation recently participated in a high-level meeting in Mumbai on Chabahar Port utilisation,” Armenian deputy foreign minister Mnatsakan Safaryan was quoted as saying by Economic Times.

“We are in talks to join the port and hope that the connectivity between the Chabahar Port and INSTC is completed soon. There are indications that this link will be concluded within a year," Safaryan added.

Armenia's keen interest in participating in the Chabahar Port initiative is set against the backdrop of a tripartite collaboration among India, Iran, and Armenia.

In a conference held in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, this past April, the trio explored various economic initiatives and regional communication avenues.

Armenia, whose relationship with New Delhi takes on a strategic shape, has suggested a corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea through Iran.

This route would run alongside the INSTC or serve as a new extension of it, creating a trade link for Indian merchants with Russia and Europe.

Further, the Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister said that two leading Indian construction companies could be "executing projects in Armenia".