India on Monday inked a contract with Iran to develop and operate strategically important Chabahar Port for 10 years.

The contract is seen as a new chapter in regional connectivity.

Indian Ports and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who arrived in Tehran on Monday, oversaw the inking of the contract.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: “Scripting a new chapter in bilateral partnership!Minister @shipmin_india @moayush@sarbanandsonwal witnessed the signing of the long-term contract for the operation of the Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar, between India Ports Global Ltd. & Ports and Maritime organisation of Iran."

He said the contract will give a boost to regional connectivity & ’s linkages with Afghanistan, Central Asia and Eurasia.

After being a part of the event, Sonowal wrote on X: "At Tehran, Iran today, delighted to be part of the signing of the Long Term Bilateral Contract on Chabahar Port Operations in presence of HE Mehrdad Bazrpash, Minister of Roads & Urban Development, Iran."

"India will develop and operate Iran's strategic Chabahar Port for 10 years, marking a historic moment in - ties and regional connectivity," he said.

He said the agreement not only strengthens links between the two nations but also places India's firm footstep in the global supply chain and maritime sector.