Some media reports hint that the Indian government may ask Iranian government to assign it long-term rights of 60 to 90 years to develop and operate Chabahar Port.

   

As an initial step to the phased development of the port, the existing facility can be modernised, and subsequently its capacity can be expanded.

   

Two existing jetties, out of the total four, will be given on the basis of operation and management (O&M) basis, reports indicate.

   

India feels that the port has long-term potential to emerge as the gateway to Afghanistan and CIS countries even though it may not have immediate commercial viability owing to the US sanctions against Iran.

   

It may be recalled that the JN Port and Kandla Port are holding discussion with the Iranian government to develop the port.

   

Recently, an Iranian delegation has reportedly met JN Port and Kandla Port officials in Mumbai. The second round of negotiations are on.

   

With inputs from the Ministries of External Affairs, Defence and Finance, the officials concerned may take a final decision, reports indicate.

   

The issues to be finalised include the manpower level, salary, taxation regime, electricity and fuel charges, taxes, port tariffs and support from the Iranian government, among others.