India, Iran, and Uzbekistan convened their first foreign ministries-level trilateral meeting, focusing on strengthening security collaboration and expanding regional influence. A major highlight was the decision to enhance the use of Iran’s Chabahar Port, providing Uzbekistan with a strategic gateway for trade with India.
Held in Tehran on September 9, the meeting stressed the importance of improving connectivity through infrastructure and strategic corridors. The International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port were identified as critical tools for facilitating trade, boosting economic growth, and increasing India’s geopolitical presence in Central Asia.
The officials reviewed progress from the third Chabahar Working Group session held in Mumbai in November 2024. Discussions revolved around accelerating trade, developing transit infrastructure, and implementing measures of mutual interest to strengthen regional collaboration.
This trilateral comes after a similar India-Iran-Armenia dialogue, which also focused on INSTC and Chabahar Port utilization for Armenia’s trade. Uzbekistan, along with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, has expressed keen interest in using Chabahar as a direct route to the Indian Ocean, reducing dependency on traditional trade pathways.
India is simultaneously pursuing wider Eurasian engagement. Efforts are underway to establish an early harvest free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union, facilitating access to markets across the region and sourcing essential commodities, including rare earth minerals vital for industrial and technological development.
Officials emphasized that the trilateral framework allows for coordinated action on security, economic, and infrastructure fronts. By integrating counter-terrorism initiatives with strategic trade and transit projects, the partnership strengthens India’s influence in Central Asia. The focus on Chabahar Port and INSTC demonstrates a shared vision of leveraging connectivity and cooperation to foster regional stability, economic integration, and long-term strategic advantage.
