News Highlight
India and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate the movement of seafarers between the two nations.
Key Takeaway
- The MoU between India and Iran as per the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978.
- The Union Minister at the meeting highlighted the role of Chabahar as a regional trade multiplier.
- The Chabahar port has the potential to act as a quick and efficient commercial route between Central Asia and South Asia, and perhaps South East Asia.
STCW Convention
- International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978.
- It sets minimum qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts.
- STCW was adopted in 1978 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conference in London and entered into force in 1984.
India-Iran strategic relations
- The Chabahar port:
- Chabahar Port is a seaport in Chabahar located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
- It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, each of which has five berths.
- It will provide India with an alternative and reliable access route into Afghanistan and a reliable and more direct sea-route access into the Central Asian region.
- International North-South Corridor:
- It is a freight shipping, rail, and road route connecting India, Russia, Iran, Europe, and Central Asia.
- The goal is to provide the shortest multi-model transportation route possible.
- The corridor aims to improve trade links between major cities, including Mumbai, Moscow, Tehran, Baku, Bandar Abbas, and Astrakhan.
- Infrastructure:
- India has constructed the Zaranj-Delaram highway in Afghanistan with the support of Iran.
- It can give access to Afghanistan’s Garland Highway, setting up road access to four major cities in Afghanistan — Herat, Kandahar, Kabul, and Mazar-e-Sharif.
- Indian Ocean Rim Association(IORA):
- It is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.
- Both India and Iran cooperate on maritime security under IORA.
Pic Courtesy: Siasat
Content Source: The Hindu