India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping

Published: 27th Apr, 2023

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, 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.

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