Rouhani to inaugurate Chabahar port today

The port will open Afghanistan and Central Asia to Indian commerce while isolating Pakistan.

Giving a boost to the bilateral ties between India and Iran, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has made an unannounced visit to Tehran, while returning from Sochi in Russia, ahead of the inauguration of the strategically important port.

Over a month ago, India sent the first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar Port, which Swaraj remarked as a gift from Indians to Afghans.

Swaraj then said that India remains committed to work closely with its regional and international partners to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.

The port located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman in Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province has two docks.

Iran has invested about one billion dollars in building the first phase of the port.

Director General of Ports and Maritime Organisation in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Behrouz Aqaee, said

about 100,000-tonne ships will be able to call at the port after it becomes operational.

The inauguration of the port will be attended by delegates from 27 countries.