India will “work at” explaining that the Chabahar port is in the region’s interest, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, responding to the U.S. government’s remarks about the “potential risk” of sanctions to companies working on the India-Iran joint venture.
Mr. Jaishankar pointed out that the U.S. had in the past appreciated the importance of the Chabahar port project, referring to its use in supporting aid and trade with Afghanistan. He said the agreement signed on Monday was simply a long-pending long-term contract that had been delayed by negotiations and changes in the joint venture partner on the Iranian end.
Answering a number of questions at a public function in Kolkata on Tuesday, Mr. Jaishankar also hit out at the U.S. and the Western media for trying to “dominate the narrative” and influence the ongoing elections in India.
