LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 513
TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.11.2019
STATUS OF CHABAHAR PROJECT
513. SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the present status of Chabahar Project;
(b) the details of investments made by India on Chabahar Project till today;
(c) the impact of sanctions on Iran by the United States on the development of Chabahar Project; and
(d) whether 17 foreign countries announced their readiness for contribution to the port’s development including China, recently and if so, the details thereof including the impact foreseen by the Ministry on the basis of this development?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) to (d) India is participating in the development of the first phase of Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar in cooperation with the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran. The Indian company, India Ports Global Limited, has taken over port operations in December
2018 and has been successfully handling cargo since then. Afghanistan has also started using the port facility. It has sent its first consignment to India through Chabahar Port in February 2019. Subsequently, it has sent four more consignments to India through
Chabahar Port. As part of the Agreement, India is to extend grant assistance of nearly USD 85 million and a credit facility of USD 150 million for Chabahar Port development.
The U.S. has shown understanding of the importance of the Chabahar Port operations for continued humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan and to provide Afghanistan with economic alternatives.
There have been media reports about interest expressed by other countries to participate in the development of Chabahar Port. It is for the Government of Iran to decide and choose the partner for development of different phases of the Chabahar Port. India continues
to partner in the development and operation of Shahid Behesti Port, Chabahar.
*****