Iran, India and Afghanistan sign a key trilateral agreement to develop the southern Iranian port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Monday.

Addressing the reports after the signing ceremony, Rouhani said the event marks a historic occasion with regard to the relationship between the three countries.

He added that the deal between Tehran, New Delhi and Kabul sends the message that countries in the region can make progress through cooperation and tapping into regional opportunities.

Rouhani said cooperation between Iran, India and Afghanistan serves the interests of the entire region, stressing that Chabahar port epitomizes such cooperation.

Highlighting the significance of Chabahar port, the Iranian president said it can connect India to Afghanistan and Central Asian states.

Chabahar is located in the Gulf of Oman on the border with Pakistan. It is Iran’s closest and best access point to the Indian Ocean.

The port will be a game changer for regional connectivity, especially for Afghanistan, which can find an assured and reliable alternative access to India via sea.

The route will also significantly enhance prospects for India’s connectivity with Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond through synergies with other initiatives touching the region such as North-South transport corridor.

By Press TV