Sonowal's Iran visit could see extension of lease for Chabahar Port

The short-term lease agreement for using the Shaheed Behesti terminal typically sees a renewal tenure of one year on a rolling basis

Recent geopolitical developments have speeded up the Centre’s pursuit to leverage Iran’s Chabahar Port for trade, and with Union Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s visit to Iran, India may extend the short-term lease agreement for the port by another 18 months, Business Standard has learnt.

The Ports and Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran has proposed the extension by one and a half years, and the proposal is being examined by the Centre and is likely to be taken up during Sonowal’s Iran visit, shipping ministry officials in the know of the matter told Business Standard.

“Our vision is to make Chabahar