India gets the operational control of Shahid Beheshti Port, phase one of Chabahar Port in Iran

*NEW DELHI- Tehran and New Delhi on Saturday signed agreements including an$85 million USD accord for the development of Chabahar Port insouth-eastern Iran.*

According to the agreement, India will invest the money to build thecapacity of Chabahar port.

The lease agreement which gives operational control to India of ShahidBeheshti port – phase one of the Chabahar port – was signed in the presenceof Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modiin New Delhi.

Addressing a joint press conference after signing the agreements, Modi saidthe two countries want to expand bilateral ties and cooperation in economicdevelopment.

“We will support the construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan rail link so thatChabahar gateway’s potential could be fully utilized,” Modi said, as quotedby Reuters. “We want to expand connectivity, cooperation in the energysector and the centuries-old bilateral relationship.”

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Other agreements signed by the two leaders include a double taxationavoidance treaty, extradition, and cooperation in the farming sector.

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Rouhani, who is on a three-day visit to India, will also discuss the issueof oil with Indian officials. India is the second-biggest importer ofIranian crude oil.

Read More: Russia Welcomes Pakistan Role in US Iran Ceasefireexcerpt: Maria Zakharova statement highlights Islamabad positive mediation in reducing tensions.categories: world ISLAMABAD: Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has described Pakistan diplomatic efforts in brokering the recent US-Iran ceasefire as highly positive and responsible.Her remarks come as international recognition grows for Islamabad role in de-escalating a conflict that threatened regional stability and global energy supplies.The two-week truce announced earlier this week halted direct hostilities that erupted on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.Pakistan leveraged its unique position representing Iranian interests in Washington while maintaining close ties with the United States to facilitate back-channel communications.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir engaged directly with US President Donald Trump and Iranian leadership urging restraint and a two-week extension to allow diplomacy.Reports indicate Pakistan conveyed multiple proposals including a US 15-point plan and elements of Iran 10-point framework during intense shuttle diplomacy.Saudi Arabia publicly commended Pakistan efforts with its foreign ministry praising the productive role of the prime minister and chief of army staff in securing the agreement.China also expressed support for the ceasefire calling it a positive step and acknowledging contributions from several countries including Pakistan.The conflict had raised fears of wider war with potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting 20 percent of global oil trade.Oil prices surged over 15 percent in the initial weeks of escalation before easing slightly on ceasefire news.Analysts estimate that full disruption of the strait could have added 30 to 50 dollars per barrel to crude prices impacting economies worldwide.Pakistan mediation prevented such escalation positioning the country as a credible neutral facilitator where direct US-Iran contacts remain absent.Zakharova statement framed the US approach as a one-track aggressive unprovoked action that suffered crushing defeat stressing no military solution exists.She welcomed the shift toward political and diplomatic settlement in line with international law.Regional media including Pakistani outlets and reports from Gulf sources highlight Islamabad quiet diplomacy involving meetings with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia Egypt and Turkey in Islamabad.These consultations focused on preventing further military actions and building a framework for sustained talks.Upcoming negotiations are scheduled in Islamabad with delegations from both sides expected to discuss core issues such as sanctions nuclear concerns and regional proxies.Iran has confirmed participation following a call between President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.US officials have signaled seriousness by considering high-level representatives for the talks.Pakistan long-standing relations with both nations proved pivotal.As protector of Iranian interests in the US capital Islamabad maintained institutional channels even during heightened tensions.This rare access allowed rapid transmission of messages that traditional mediators struggled to achieve.Diplomatic observers note the ceasefire as one of Pakistan biggest wins in recent years demonstrating its capacity as a serious regional peace force.The development reinforces Islamabad commitment to stability in a volatile neighborhood.Global markets reacted positively with shipping stocks rising and energy futures stabilizing on reduced immediate risks.However experts caution the truce remains fragile with violations reported in some areas including Lebanon.Prime Minister Sharif urged all parties to respect the two-week period to enable meaningful dialogue.Pakistan efforts align with its broader foreign policy of promoting peace and countering extremism through diplomacy rather than confrontation.The positive international feedback including from Russia underscores growing acknowledgment of Pakistan responsible stance.As talks approach in Islamabad the world watches whether this mediation can translate into a lasting settlement addressing decades-old grievances.Success could elevate Pakistan diplomatic profile while failure risks renewed escalation with severe economic and security repercussions.Pakistan has once again proven it is a serious diplomatic force for peace and stability in the region.

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