How Do India, Iran and Armenia Plan to Enhance Connectivity Cooperation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trilateral Consultations: Regular meetings among India, Iran, and Armenia.
- Focus on Connectivity: Emphasis on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Future Meetings: Next round scheduled for 2026 in Armenia.
- Regional Cooperation: Strengthening ties in trade, tourism, and culture.
- Chabahar Port's Role: Essential for enhancing trade routes.
Tehran, Sep 9 (NationPress) During the third Trilateral Consultations in Tehran, officials from India, Iran, and Armenia convened to assess the advancements made following the decisions from their previous meetings. The representatives from the three nations stressed the importance of enhancing and strengthening cooperation, with a focus on connectivity initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Armenia's ambitious 'Crossroads of Peace' project.
Co-chaired by Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary (PAI), Mohammad Reza Bahrami, Director General for South Asia at Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Anahit Karapetyan, Head of the Asia-Pacific Department at Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting highlighted significant outcomes from the prior consultations held in Yerevan in April 2023 and New Delhi in December 2024, as detailed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Officials expressed satisfaction with the consistent and annual nature of these trilateral consultations and noted the progress made in achieving the objectives set out during their initial meetings. They reiterated the necessity of accomplishing the targets established to safeguard mutual interests and foster prosperity in the region.
India, Armenia, and Iran reviewed various initiatives designed to enhance ties in economic, trade, and other sectors of shared interest. They agreed that the next trilateral consultations will take place in Armenia in 2026.
After the second meeting in New Delhi in 2024, the three nations built upon the discussions held in Yerevan, focusing on connectivity projects, engagement in multilateral forums, and regional developments, as stated by the MEA. They also deliberated on strategies to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, while reinforcing people-to-people connections. The need for close collaboration under the INSTC was emphasized, along with the pivotal role of Chabahar Port in advancing their goals.