Context

In a move aimed at strengthening regional co-operation, India, Iran and Armenia have formed a trilateral grouping.

About the grouping

• This trilateral grouping is expected to open up opportunities in different areas for cooperation including energy, transportation, trade, investment and transportation.

Key-highlights of the first-ever meeting

• The first ever meeting focused on connectivity especially the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
  • INSTC was initially signed by Iran, Russia and India in 2002 and has since then expanded, and a freight corridor connecting which is expected to connect three countries — India, Iran and Russia.
  • The main aim of this corridor is to reduce time and costs in the movement of goods from Mumbai to Moscow.
• The focus of the three sides during the meeting was on economic issues and regional communication channels.
• They also talked about trilateral cooperation in various fields as well as further deepening of people to people and cultural contacts.

Focusing on the relationship

• Iran and Armenia

• • Iran and Armenia, which share a border, also have robust ties.
  • Last year, Iran opened a consulate in Armenia’s Kapan.
  • The two countries have also been working together to enhance trade and economic cooperation.
    
    

• India and Iran
  • India and Iran also have historic ties, with the two countries sharing a common cultural heritage.
  • The Chabahar port in Iran has been key to connectivity between the two sides. India has provided equipment worth $25 million to aid in the development of the port, including six mobile harbour cranes.
    • The port has the potential to serve as a gateway for India to access Central Asia and Afghanistan, while also providing Iran with an alternative trade route to the Persian Gulf.

• Iran and Armenia
  • Iran and Armenia, which share a border, also have robust ties. Last year, Iran opened a consulate in Armenia's Kapan.
  • The two countries have also been working together to enhance trade and economic cooperation with Armenia serving as a transit route for Iran to access the Eurasian Economic Union.
  • The trilateral grouping between India, Iran, and Armenia is expected to pave the way for greater cooperation in a range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, and transportation.