India, Iran discuss transport corridor, Chabahar port

India and Iran Friday discussed the proposed international north-south transport corridor and the Chabahar port and emphasised that there was strong political will on both sides to nurture bilateral relations.

Sources said External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid held discussions with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and reviewed the entire expanse of the bilateral relationship.

They said "connectivity" was a major issue of discussion and there was an understanding that huge opportunities exist to enhance the relationship.

They said India's interest in Chabahar port in Iran figured prominently and it was agreed that specific proposals on the port could be finalised by the Nauroz holidays in Iran.

The sources said there was also detailed discussion on the international north-south transport corridor, which will enable reduction in travel time by 40 percent for freight between India, Afghanistan, central Asia and Russia via Iran.

Khurshid Friday held separate meetings with Zarif and Oman Foreign Minister Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah about prospects of the deep sea gas pipeline.

The issue of the pipeline figured in discussions with both countries, following success of a deep sea pipeline in the North Sea.

The sources said India and Iran also discussed consular matters.

Khurshid and Zarif also discussed regional Issues including Afghanistan, developments in the Middle East and the P5+1 discussions with Iran.