FICCI : Industry's Voice for Policy Change

India is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 30 to 35 percent by 2030 as per the Paris Climate Agreement, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said today.

The Union Minister was addressing a virtual session on ‘India and the UK – Partners for Growth: Unlocking Sustainable and Climate-resilient Infrastructure Opportunities,’ organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), according to an official release.

Speaking at the meeting, Gadkari said that as per the Paris Climate Agreement, the Government of India is committed in reducing its carbon emissions by 30-35 percent by 2030.

“The UK is also committed to reducing its carbon emission to net-zero by 2050,” Gadkari added.

The minister also said that the partnership of India and the UK dates back many years and has a glorious history of working together on economy and infrastructure. “Taking lessons from history, this is time for us to act upon delivering a sustainable infrastructure without compromising on the values of ecology and environment,” he said.

Gadkari further said that as far as India is concerned, we have limited resources, a huge low-middle income population, demographic and cultural diversity but we also have a strong resolve for working towards a clean and green future.

“I strongly believe that societies must be liveable, workable, and sustainable. India has a surplus of solar energy potential that we can use for electricity generation,” he emphasized.

The minister also stated that the India and UK partnership on climate action can deliver substantial progress towards reducing emissions and helping towards resilient infrastructure globally.

He added that India-UK is exploring how to develop technology and the investment needed for the adoption of alternate and green energy sources.

“It is important to share experiences, collaborate on research and development and catalyse the private sector to invest in renewable energy,” Gadkari said.

Moreover, India is also taking several steps to achieve the nationally determined contribution targets for increasing renewable energy share through its ambitious target of achieving 450 megawatts (MW) renewable energy capacity by 2030. “One of the largest such expansion plans in the world is already underway,” he informed.

Gadkari also said that UK is the world leader in intelligent transportation systems, AI, GIS and GPS-based tools, and infrared surveillance systems.

This can be used in India’s largest road network can be facilitated with these advanced technologies for effective traffic movement and road asset management, he said, adding that, “We aim to learn success stories of each other to enhance our mutual knowledge as two great nations.”

At the meeting, UK International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that India has taken several successful steps towards climate change. Like the UK, India has shown its adaptation plans are at the heart of its approach to climate change.

“Adaptation is the key focus of the India-UK partnership. Our common commitment to tackling climate change and the friendship between the two nations makes us ideal partners in finding solutions,” she added.

British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis also said that one of the things which India has been a champion on is climate-resilient infrastructure in its neighbourhoods. That is what the UK also supports and will continue to support.

He further said that India’s scale and opportunities and the UK’s knowledge and expertise are a good combination.

Ten News | Mar 05, 2021

Govt of India committed to reduce its carbon emission by 30-35% by 2030: Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME, Govt of India today said that the partnership of India and UK dates to many years and have a glorious history of working together on economy and infrastructure. Taking lessons from history, this is time for us to act upon delivering a sustainable infrastructure without compromising on the values of ecology and environment, he added.

Addressing the virtual session ‘India and the UK – Partners for Growth: Unlocking Sustainable and Climate-resilient Infrastructure Opportunities’, organized by FICCI, Gadkari said that as per the Paris Climate Agreement, the government of India is committed in reducing its carbon emissions by 30-35 percent by 2030. The UK is also committed to reduce its carbon emission to net zero by 2050, he added.

Gadkari further said that as far as India is concerned, we have limited resources, huge low-middle income population, demographic and cultural diversity but we also have a strong resolve for working towards a clean and green future. “I strongly believe that societies must be liveable, workable and sustainable. India has a surplus of solar energy potential that we can use for electricity generation. This is the time for us to act upon delivering a sustainable infrastructure without compromising on the values of ecology and environmental,” he emphasized.

Gadkari stated that the India-UK partnership on climate action can deliver substantial progress towards reducing emissions and helping towards resilient infrastructure globally.

India-UK, he said are exploring how to develop technology and the investment needed for adoption of alternate and green energy sources. “It is important to share experiences, collaborate on research and development and catalyse the private sector to invest in renewable energy,” said Gadkari.

India is taking several steps to achieve the national determined contribution targets for increasing renewable energy share through its ambitious target of achieving 450 MW renewable energy capacity by 2030. “One of the largest such expansion plans in the world is already underway,” he informed.

Gadkari also said that UK is the world leader in intelligent transportation system, AI, GIS and GPS based tools and infrared surveillance systems. This can be used in India’s largest road network can be facilitated with these advanced technologies for effective traffic movement and road asset management. “We aim to learn success stories of each other to enhance our mutual knowledge as two great nations,” he noted.

He further stated that currently we are constructing highways at the rate of 33 kms per day which might be a world record. “My aim is to construct over 60,000 kms of highway in the next 5 years at the rate of more than 40 kms per day,” he added. The government is also developing 22 greenfield expressways along with access control corridors as a part of Bharatmala Pariyojna at a cost of Rs 3.32 lakh crore and these corridors will be completed before 2025.

The government, he said is developing 35 multimodal logistic parks with cold storage facilities and it will help in reducing logistic time and decongestion of our cities.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UK International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency and Minister of State (Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth) said that India has taken several successful steps towards climate change. Like the UK, India has shown its adaptation plans are at the heart of its approach to climate change. “Adaptation is the key focus of the India-UK partnership. Our common commitment to tackling climate change and the friendship between the two nations makes us ideal partners in finding solutions,” she added.

She emphasized that it is critical that we all devise comprehensive policy framework to develop climate resilient infrastructure. This will significantly reduce socio-economic vulnerability to natural disasters by anticipating, preparing for, and adapting to climate change conditions.

Alex Ellis, The British High Commissioner to India said that one of the things which India has been a champion on is climate resilient infrastructure in its neighbourhoods. “That is what UK also supports and will continue to support,” he added.

He further said that India’s scale and opportunities and the UK’s knowledge and expertise are a good combination.

Kolluru Krishan, Chairman, FICCI Climate Change Committee and Chairman, CVC Infrastructure Pvt Ltd said that when we talk of climate in resilient infrastructure and adaptation, the two sectors which are very important include transportation and the impact it has on MSMEs.

The Hindu | Mar 04, 2021

India pushes for Chabahar in India-Iran-Russia INSTC corridor

India wants Chabahar port to be included in the 13-nation International North South Transport Corridor that extends from India to Russia, and expand INSTC membership by including Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Ports and Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday.

Pitching for Chabahar in the INSTC which goes via Iran’s biggest port Bandar Abbas, Mr. Jaishankar proposed that the land route via Kabul and Tashkent would form the INSTC’s “Eastern corridor”.

“Establishing an eastern corridor through Afghanistan would maximise its potential. India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route. I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project,” Mr. Jaishankar said at a “Chabahar Day” event organised as part of the 3-day “Maritime India” summit that was conducted virtually.

EXPAND

The event saw participation from several regional officials including infrastructure Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan. The Port has already handled 123 vessels and 18 lakh tons of cargo, said an official statement issued after the conference, which include trans-shipments from “Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine and the UAE”.

Predicting that Chabahar will change the “geo-economy” of the region, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohammed Eslami called for assistance from India in developing the project, both through the provision of cranes and other equipment at the port as well as rail tracks, signal and switching equipment for the Chabahar-Zahedan railway project. In a letter last November, Iran had also asked India to activate the $150-million credit line it offered during Iranian President Rouhani’s visit to Delhi in 2018 for the project.

Credit lines

“I hope we can enjoy more credit lines allocated by India for equipping the port as well as completion of infrastructure projects of transport networks related to it,” Mr. Eslami said at the conference.

“India has participated in the first phase of development of Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar and we are now witnessing the supplying of equipment. It deems necessary for the Indian operator to facilitate the process of supplying the remaining equipment,” he said.

India has already provided the Shahid Beheshti port with two cranes, and promised a further six, but is not at present part of the 628-km railway project, which Iran decided to develop on its own last year.

In a reply to Parliament in February, the Ministry of External Affairs said it “remains engaged” in discussions on the subject of the 2016 MoU on the railway project, which is believed to have been stalled for the past few years due to sanctions from the U.S. under the Trump administration. New Delhi’s push to include Chabahar in the INSTC could also have been made with an eye on the new Biden administration’s push for restoring talks with Iran on the JCPOA nuclear agreement, and the possible easing of some sanctions.

Asked about the possibility of including Chabahar in the corridor, an Iranian official said Iran would “welcome it”, but that procedurally, it is the INSTC governing council that would have to review the proposal and clear it.

Multi-mode network

The INSTC project was originally decided between India, Iran and Russia in 2000 in St Petersburg, and subsequently included 10 other central Asian and west Asian countries: Azerbaijan Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Oman, Syria and Bulgaria as an observer. It envisions a 7,200-km-long multi-mode network of ship, rail and road route for transporting freight, aimed at reducing the carriage cost between India and Russia by about 30% and bringing down the transit time from 40 days by more than half.

Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Choriyev Ergashevich called the INSTC a “very important corridor for the development of freight traffic in the region”, and suggested that member countries could also work on the joint design and construction of container ships and railway lines together.

The Daily Guardian | Mar 04, 2021

424 MoUs signed during Maritime India Summit 2021, says Mansukh Mandaviya

A total of 424 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the second edition of the virtual Maritime India Summit-2021 that concluded on Thursday, said Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya.

The three-day maritime conference was inaugurated on March 2 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The summit received good support and a total of 424 MoUs were signed in three days. The investment of more than Rs 3 lakh crores has been committed by top maritime companies of the world and it is a matter of great pleasure for us,” Mandaviya told ANI.

The Minister said the “Maritime Vision 2030” and its “road map” have released, and added, “seeing this, the shipping line infrastructure development companies are going to investing in India in coming days.”

India also commemorated the ‘Chabahar Day’ today with ministerial presence from six nations at the Maritime India Summit organised by India’s shipping ministry.

Mandaviya said Chabahar Port has emerged as the “connecting point” between India and Eurasia to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Chabahar Port project will be developed as a transit hub for cross connectivity between the two countries.

“Maritime India Summit-2021 will empower and strengthen Maritime India Vision-2030 which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the inauguration of the summit. Due to Maritime India Summit-2021, the expectations and the aspirations of the world towards India have increased. We have to keep marching towards achieving our goal,” the Union Minister added.

The Print | Mar 04, 2021

India has proposed inclusion of Chabahar Port in INSTC trade route, says Jaishankar

India has proposed the inclusion of Chabahar port in the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) route, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday, and expressed hope that member states involved with the INSTC will agree on expanding membership of this project.

In his address on ‘Chabahar Day’ at the Maritime India Summit 2021, Jaishankar said the shift in the fulcrum of global economic growth towards Asia is creating unprecedented opportunities for connectivity in the region.

He asserted that the marking of Chabahar Day by India reflects its strong commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.

Jaishankar said India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route.

The INSTC is an important trade corridor project, wherein India is partnering with 12 countries to establish an economic corridor, he said.

The International North South Transport Corridor is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

“We also welcome the interest of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to join the multilateral corridor project. Establishing an eastern corridor through Afghanistan would maximize its potential,” he said.

“I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project,” he said.

Jaishankar also said that as the world goes through a fundamental re-balancing, correcting many distortions of the past, it is only natural that connectivity should be central to that exercise.

He said the shift in the fulcrum of global economic growth towards Asia is creating unprecedented opportunities for connectivity in the region.

“There is a huge infrastructure deficit in the region which needs to be met to fulfil growing aspirations of our people,” he asserted.

Noting that in the modern age, the correlation between connectivity and economic growth has got even more pronounced, Jaishankar said growth in trade, commerce, industrial development and technological advancement has gone hand in hand with ease of connecting.

Maritime connectivity, in particular, has played a significant role in creating regional corridors for trade and economic linkages, as indeed for cultural and intellectual exchanges over the centuries, he pointed out and added that they too assume a new prominence in contemporary times, for being more competitive, seamless and greener.

The access of land-locked economies to maritime movements has been a focus of recent initiatives, he said.

The government of India, recognising the importance of regional connectivity, made a landmark decision to undertake an overseas port investment in Chabahar, he said

While this project had been under discussion for some time, it was during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran in 2016 that a trilateral agreement to establish an International Transport and Transit Corridor was signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan, he said.

Jaishankar said transport and transit corridor is intended to ensure unhindered flow of commerce throughout the region and to create a safe, and reliable route to trade initially with Afghanistan, and thereafter with Central Asia.

The establishment and operations of India Ports Global Ltd at Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar is the practical realisation of this important initiative, he said and lauded Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his team, as well as his Iranian partners, for the steady growth of port operations.

In a short while, they have established both its credibility and its relevance, Jaishankar said.

“Today’s event reflects India’s strong commitment to work together with all regional stakeholders to enhance connectivity in our region and to provide unhindered access to the sea to landlocked Central Asian countries through Chabahar,” he said.

Today’s event also commemorates five years of the signing of the tripartite agreement on establishment of a Trilateral Transport and Transit Corridor, he said, asserting that the agreement is a fitting tribute to the rich civilisational, cultural and trade links among India, Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia.

Jaishankar highlighted that the Chabahar port has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The port is part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan. India has utilized the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MT of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in September 2020,” he pointed out.

India also assisted Iran to fight the worst ever locust invasion in the last 25 years by supplying 25 metric tonnes of Malathion in June 2020, again through the Chabahar port, he said.

The second batch of 25 metric tonnes has recently reached the port, he added.

Jaishankar said that besides Indian exports of food products, the port has handled several shipments and trans-shipments from Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine and the UAE.

Jaishankar said the search for efficient trade routes and better connectivity has been one of the powerful driving forces of history and has determined prospects of many nations, regions and civilizations over time.

The virtual event, besides Jaishankar and Mandaviya, also saw participation of ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan.

The location of the Chabahar port has strategic advantage and high potential to provide connectivity among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other Commonwealth of Independent States countries, and boost trade.

Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran’s southern coast, the port can be easily accessed from India’s western coast, bypassing Pakistan.

Zee News | Mar 04, 2021

India commemorates Chabahar Day at Maritime India Summit 2021

The Ministry of External Affairs announced that India will commemorate ‘Chabahar Day’ on Thursday (March 4) on the margin of Maritime India Summit 2021. Ministers from over six countries, namely Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan will take part in the virtual meet.

Transport minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev, Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich and India’s Minister of State for ports Mansukh Mandaviya will be present at the virtual meet which will be addressed by S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of india.

The External Affairs Minister emphasised upon the importance of regional connectivity and said, “The Government of India, recognising the importance of regional connectivity, made a landmark decision to undertake an overseas port investment in Chabahar. While this project had been under discussion for some time, it was during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran in 2016 that a Trilateral Agreement to establish an International Transport and Transit Corridor that was signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.”

“The Chabahar port has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The port is part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan. India has utilized the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MT of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in September 2020,” Jaishankar added.

Jaishankar also praised Uzbekistan and Afghanistan’s effort of joining this multilateral corridor project. “The International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is an important trade corridor project, wherein India is partnering with 12 countries to establish an economic corridor for the benefit of our peoples. We also welcome the interest of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to join the multilateral corridor project,” he said.

Earlier, while speaking on the importance of Chabahar, Minister of State for ports Mansukh Mandaviya said, "Chabahar port is an important destination, and we are developing it. Two cranes have been put. I will be going and inaugurating it. Chabahar connects us to CIS countries...this will increase connectivity to Europe. Chabahar port is important"

Chabahar in Iran is key to India's westwards connectivity, providing inroads to Afghanistan and central asia and the key to the north-south international transport corridor linking Mumbai with Moscow. January saw India sending 2 cranes for the port, and the next few months will see 4 more cranes being sent that will increase the efficiency of the port.

WION | Mar 04, 2021

India proposes inclusion of Chabahar port in North-South Transport Corridor

India has proposed the inclusion of the key Chabahar port in the mega International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai with Moscow.

Speaking at "Chabahar day" hosted by India on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route. I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project."

Chabahar is key to India's connectivity towards its west, providing routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia while North-South Transport Corridor made up of rail, shipping, and road route currently passes via cities like Bandar Abbad, Bandar Anzali, Tehran in Iran, Baku in Azerbaijan and Astrakhan in Russia.

More than 10 countries are part of the corridor, with more countries keen to join it. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, both landlocked countries, are keen on joining the connectivity project. Uzbekistan had proposed joining the project during the India-Uzbekistan virtual summit last year.

Highlighting Chabahar's role in connectivity, Jaishankar said it "has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability, and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan."

Last year amid the pandemic, India had used the Chabahar port to send 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan and 25 MT of the pesticide Malathion to Iran to deal with locust invasion.

Minister of State for Ports, Mansukh Mandaviya, whose ministry coordinated the maritime summit said, "Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan, to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistic cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor."

Ministers from six countries -- Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan -- took part in the "Chabahar day".

Transport Minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure Minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich were present at the day-long virtual meet.

ANI News | Mar 04, 2021

Chabahar Port has emerged as 'connecting point' to deliver humanitarian assistance: Mansukh Mandaviya

United News of India | Mar 04, 2021

21st century will be of sea, skies and space, not of land: Mandaviya

AIR News | Mar 04, 2021

MoS Mansukh Mandaviya says, Chabahar Port has emerged as 'connecting point' during COVID pandemic

AIR News | Mar 04, 2021

India commemorates Chabahar Day, External Affairs Minister says, Chabahar port facilitated delivery of humanitarian assistance during COVID-19 pandemic

India today commemorated Chabahar Day on the sidelines of the Maritime India Summit-2021. The event was held virtually. Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan participated in the event.

Addressing the Ministerial-Level opening session, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said, the shift in the fulcrum of global economic growth towards Asia is creating unprecedented opportunities for connectivity in the region. He said, there is a huge infrastructure deficit in the region which needs to be met to fulfil the growing aspirations of our peoples.

The Minister said, Government of India recognising the importance of regional connectivity made a landmark decision to undertake an overseas port investment in Chabahar. He said, while the project had been under discussion for some time, it was during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran in 2016 that a Trilateral Agreement to establish an International Transport and Transit Corridor was signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

Dr Jaishankar said, the establishment and operations of India Ports Global Limited at Shahid Behesti Port in Chabahar is the practical realisation of this important initiative. He said, today’s event reflects India’s strong commitment to work together with all regional stakeholders to enhance connectivity in the region and to provide unhindered access to the sea to landlocked Central Asian countries through Chabahar.

The Minister said, today’s event also commemorates five years of the signing of the Tripartite Agreement on the establishment of a Trilateral Transport and Transit Corridor. He said, this agreement is a fitting tribute to the rich civilisational, cultural and trade links between India, Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia.

Dr Jaishankar said, Chabahar port has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, the port is part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan.

The Minister said, India has utilized the Chabahar port to ship 75 thousand Metric Tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in September last year. He said, India also assisted Iran to fight the worst ever locust invasion in the last 25 years by supplying 25 Metric Tonnes of Malathion in June last year through the Chabahar port.

The second batch of 25 Metric Tonnes has recently reached Chabahar Port. Besides the Indian exports of food products, the port has also handled several shipments and trans-shipments from Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine and the UAE.

Dr Jaishankar said, the International North-South Transport Corridor INSTC is an important trade corridor project, wherein India is partnering with 12 countries to establish an economic corridor for the benefit of our peoples. He said, India also welcome the interest of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to join the multilateral corridor project.

The Minister said, establishing an eastern corridor through Afghanistan would maximize its potential. He said, India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route.

The External Affairs Minister expressed hope that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states will agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project.

Dr Jaishankar said, the search for efficient trade routes and better connectivity has been one of the powerful driving forces of history and it has determined the prospects of many nations, regions and civilizations over time.

He said, today, as the world goes through a fundamental re-balancing, correcting many of the distortions of the past, it is only natural that connectivity should be central to that exercise.

The Economic Times | Mar 04, 2021

Chabahar Port to help Afghanistan, other countries reduce logistics cost: Government

Chabahar Port will help Afghanistan and other countries in the region to bring down their logistics costs and develop a transit hub for connectivity between India and Eurasia, the government said on Thursday. Located in Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade ties.

Chabahar Port lies outside the Persian Gulf and is easily accessed from India's western coast, bypassing Pakistan.

Chabahar Port is a joint effort of India, Iran and Afghanistan to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistics cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya said while addressing a session organised to commemorate the Chabahar Day at Maritime India Summit 2021.

Further, the project also aims to develop a transit hub for close the connectivity between India and Eurasia, he added.

"Chabahar Port is part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability, and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan," Mandaviya said, adding "the 21st century will not belong to the land. It will be a century of the sea, skies and space. In keeping with the high priority that we attach to enhancing regional connectivity between India, Central Asia and beyond".

Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports of Shipping and Waterways, said the Maritime India Vision 2030's emphasis is on boosting productivity, improving performance, connectivity and reducing logistics cost by adopting cost reductive processes.

The operationalisation of the Chabahar Port will help bring down the logistics cost for Afghanistan and the other countries in the region. It will enable Afghanistan to boost its trade not only with India but also with other countries and greatly promote regional cooperation, the official said.

"The purpose of this event is to update stakeholders on the new opportunities - which have now opened up with the development of infrastructure and the operationalisation of the Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar - and the business opportunities that are now available, and we expect the stakeholders to take the full benefit of the new opportunities that are now available," Ranjan said.

Hindustan Times | Mar 04, 2021

India pitches for including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan in INSTC

India on Thursday proposed the inclusion of Iran’s Chabahar port in the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200km multi-mode route spanning 13 countries, and also called for Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to be made part of the corridor.

Chabahar port, where an Indian state-run firm operates a terminal, is a key part of India’s plans to enhance connectivity to Afghanistan and the Central Asian states. The port played an important role in shipping humanitarian aid to Afghanistan amid the Covid-19 pandemic and India recently supplied heavy cranes to boost its capabilities.

Addressing the virtual “Chabahar Day” event organised on the margins of the Maritime India Summit 2021, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya spoke about plans to include the Iranian port in INSTC.

Jaishankar welcomed the interest shown by Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in joining the multilateral corridor and said: “Establishing an eastern corridor through Afghanistan would maximise its potential.”

He added, “I am hopeful that during the INSTC coordination council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project.”

Mandaviya proposed the meeting of the INSTC coordination council meeting, which was to be held last year but was put off because of the pandemic, should be held virtually to take things forward.

“Chabahar port is part of our shared commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan,” Mandaviya said, adding the port had helped Afghanistan diversity its export opportunities.

The INSTC project, which includes India, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz republic, Tajikistan, Oman, Syria and Ukraine, was first proposed in 2000 to cut costs and time in moving cargo and to improve connectivity in the region between Russia and the Central Asian states and India.

Though there were dry runs on some routes in 2014, the project has been slow to take off. Despite renewed focus on INSTC by India and Russia, work was again hit by the pandemic.

Jaishankar highlighted Chabahar’s role in recent years in sending Indian humanitarian aid and emergency supplies to Afghanistan and Iran and in opening up trade opportunities. The Chabahar Day event reflects India’s commitment to work with regional stakeholders to enhance connectivity and provide unhindered access to the sea to the landlocked Central Asian states, he said.

“The Chabahar port has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic...India utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in September 2020,” he said.

India helped Iran to fight the worst locust invasion of the past 25 years by supplying 25 tonnes of the drug Malathion in June 2020 through Chabahar. The second batch of 25 tonnes of Malathion recently reached Chabahar, he added.

Afghanistan, Iran and India signed a tripartite agreement on developing Chabahar port and setting up a trilateral transport and transit corridor in 2016. India then set up India Ports Global Limited to operate the Shahid Behesti terminal at Chabahar.

Since the Indian firm began operations in December 2018, the port has handled 123 vessels, 13,752 containers and 1.8 million tonnes of cargo, Mandaviya said. There has also been an increase in the average monthly calls by merchant vessels, and 110,000 tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of pulses have been shipped to Afghanistan.

Iran’s transport minister Mohammad Eslami called for more lines of credit from India to build and equip Chabahar port and to complete infrastructure for transport networks in the region. There are plans to expand the Shahid Behesti terminal’s capacity from 8.5 million tonnes to 13 million tonnes, he said.

Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia participated in the Chabahar Day event.

Live Mint | Mar 04, 2021

Iran's Chabahar port crucial for trade in Central Asia: Minister Jaishankar

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said Iran’s Chabahar port has, in a short while, established its credibility and relevance handling shipments and transhipments from countries like Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking at an event to mark the Chabahar Day at the Maritime India Summit organised by India’s shipping ministry, Jaishankar pointed out that there was a "a huge infrastructure deficit in the region, which needs to be met to fulfil the growing aspirations of our people."

The development of the Chabahar port was an attempt to plug that gap, the minister said. The port on Iran’s Makran coast, in Sistan-Balochistan province, was a "safe, secure and reliable route to trade initially with Afghanistan and thereafter with Central Asia as a whole."

First proposed in 2003, Chabahar port is seen as a strategic counter to Pakistan’s Gwadar port that has been developed by China. The development of the port, however, has been delayed due to tensions between the US and Iran. Former US president Donald Trump had adopted a “maximum pressure policy" against Tehran in its bid to re-negotiate the 2015 Iran nuclear pact.

With the US targeting oil exports from Iran, India’s bilateral trade with Tehran during 2019-20 fell to $4.77 billion, down 72% on year. With the Biden administration coming in, the Indian government has once again speeded up its programme to develop the port. In January two cranes were handed over to Iran for cargo movements. Another four are being sent to Iran, two are sent to arrive this month and the other two in June.

India is currently using the port to ship wheat to Afghanistan as well as pesticides to help Iran counter a locust invasion. New Delhi has been trying for years to boost its trade with Central Asia but given that the land route runs through hostile Pakistan, Chabahar is seen as the gateway to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia.

In his speech, Indian shipping minister Mansukh Mandaviya noted that the average monthly port calls at Chabahar had increased and efforts were on to increase linkages between Chabahar not only to South but Southeast Asia also.

Activation of the International North South Transport Corridor project (INSTC) a 7,200-km-long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between 13 countries including India would help boost the use of the port, Mandaviya said urging the 13 countries to include Chabahar in INSTC route and also consider inclusion of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan among the member countries of the INSTC.

In his speech, Iran’s Minister for Roads, Mohammad Eslami sought increased Lines of Credit from India to complete the first phase of the port which he said could handle 8.5 million tonnes of cargo. The speedy completion of the infrastructure at the port facilities would give a further fillip to regional trade, he added.

DNA | Mar 04, 2021

India to commemorate 'Chabahar Day' today with ministerial presence from six nations

Ministers from 6 countries- Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia will take part in India hosted "Chabahar day" on Thursday. The "Chabahar day" will be celebrated on the last day of the mega India maritime summit that was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 2).

Transport minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads, Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich will be present at the virtual meet. India will be represented by 2 of its ministers- India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Minister of State for ports Mansukh Mandaviya.

Earlier this week, speaking to WION, Mandaviya said, "Chabahar port is an important destination, and we are developing it. 2 cranes have been put. I will be going and inaugurating it. Chabahar connects us to CIS countries...this will increase connectivity to Europe. Chabahar port is important"

Chabahar in Iran is key to India's westwards connectivity, providing inroads to Afghanistan and central Asia and the key to the north-south international transport corridor linking Mumbai with Moscow. January saw India sending 2 cranes for the port, and the next few months will see 4 more cranes being sent that will increase the efficiency of the port.

Interest has been coming from Central Asian countries to be part of the project. A working group of India, Iran, and Uzbekistan met in December as one of the key outcomes of the India Uzbekistan virtual summit between the leaders of the 2 countries. In fact, 3 of the participating countries taking part in the "Chabahar day" are from central Asia.

Last year, the Kazakh envoy to Delhi Yerlan Alimbayev pointing out his country's interest in the project said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done."

Jagran Josh | Mar 04, 2021

India to commemorate 'Chabahar Day' on March 4

Republic World | Mar 04, 2021

'India committed to enhancing connectivity & providing hindrance-free access to sea': EAM

Addressing the Ministerial-Level opening session in Maritime India Summit-2021 on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said "Today's event reflects India's strong commitment to work together with all regional stakeholders to enhance connectivity in our region & provide unhindered access to the sea, to landlocked Central Asian countries through Chabahar."

Centre plans to invest in Chabahar

While speaking about the Chabahar port, EAM said that Asia's global economic growth is creating enormous opportunities for sea-level connectivity in the region. To fulfill the growing aspirations of people, it is necessary to sort a huge infrastructure deficit in the region. The Minister said that the Centre has planned to invest in Chabahar as it understands the importance of the regional connectivity through it.

Jaishankar informed, "today's event also commemorates five years of the signing of the Tripartite Agreement on the establishment of a Trilateral Transport and Transit Corridor." The Minister added that this agreement will enhance the cultural and trade links between the nation which include, India, Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia. He said that the development of this port has not only come up as a transport hub for the Asian regions but it will also help in transferring "humanitarian assistance".

EAM on 'Chabahar Day'

India commemorates 'Chabahar Day' on Thursday at the last day of the Maritime India Summit-2021, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Ministers from six countries were present at the meet via video conferencing, it includes, Qudratullah Zaki (Transport minister of Afghanistan) Suren Papikyan (Armenia's Infrastructure minister), Mohammad Eslami (Iran's Minister of Roads), Oleg N Ryazantsev (Deputy Minister of Industry) and Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich (Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport)

EAM Jaishankar declared that India is partnering with 12 countries to establish an economic corridor. Also, the International North-South Transport Corridor INSTC trade corridor project will benefit the people of Asia. Jaishankar said that it is natural that the connectivity should be improved in the region as the world is going through a fundamental re-balancing.

Outlook | Mar 04, 2021

Chabahar Port to help Afghanistan, other countries reduce logistics cost: Govt

Chabahar Port will help Afghanistan and other countries in the region to bring down their logistics costs and develop a transit hub for connectivity between India and Eurasia, the government said on Thursday.

Located in Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the port is being developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade ties.

Chabahar Port lies outside the Persian Gulf and is easily accessed from India's western coast, bypassing Pakistan.

Chabahar Port is a joint effort of India, Iran and Afghanistan to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistics cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya said while addressing a session organised to commemorate the Chabahar Day at Maritime India Summit 2021.

Further, the project also aims to develop a transit hub for close the connectivity between India and Eurasia, he added.

"Chabahar Port is part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability, and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan," Mandaviya said, adding "the 21st century will not belong to the land. It will be a century of the sea, skies and space. In keeping with the high priority that we attach to enhancing regional connectivity between India, Central Asia and beyond".

Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports of Shipping and Waterways, said the Maritime India Vision 2030's emphasis is on boosting productivity, improving performance, connectivity and reducing logistics cost by adopting cost reductive processes.

The operationalisation of the Chabahar Port will help bring down the logistics cost for Afghanistan and the other countries in the region. It will enable Afghanistan to boost its trade not only with India but also with other countries and greatly promote regional cooperation, the official said.

"The purpose of this event is to update stakeholders on the new opportunities - which have now opened up with the development of infrastructure and the operationalisation of the Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar - and the business opportunities that are now available, and we expect the stakeholders to take the full benefit of the new opportunities that are now available," Ranjan said.

The Bharat Express News | Mar 04, 2021

India commemorates ‘Chabahar Day’ - Know the key points of the port

On Thursday, India commemorated “Chabahar Day” with the ministerial presence of six countries at the India Maritime Summit hosted by the Indian Ministry of Transport.

Speaking at the event, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said the Iranian port of Chabahar had, in a short time, established its credibility and relevance in dealing with shipments and transshipments from countries like Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates.

He also pointed out that there was a huge infrastructure gap in the region, which had to be filled to meet the growing aspirations of the population.

In his speech, Indian Transport Minister Mansukh Mandaviya noted that the average monthly layovers in Chabahar have increased and that efforts are underway to increase Chabahar links not only to South Asia, but also to the ‘South East Asia.

In his speech, Iranian Highways Minister Mohammad Eslami called for an increase in India’s credit lines to complete the first phase of the port which he said could handle 8.5 million tonnes of cargo.

Chabahar Port Details

The port of Chabahar was first proposed in 2003.

India and Iran signed an agreement in 2018 to develop the port of Chabahar.

Chabahar is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean.

The port is located on the Iranian coast of Makran, in the province of Sistan-Balochistan.

It was seen as a safe, secure and reliable trade route first with Afghanistan and then with Central Asia.

The port of Chabahar is seen as a strategic counterweight to the Pakistani port of Gwadar which was developed by China.

Development of the port has been delayed due to tensions between the United States and Iran.

India is currently using the port to ship wheat to Afghanistan as well as pesticides.

New Delhi has been trying for years to boost its trade with Central Asia.

Chabahar is considered the gateway to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Orissa Diary | Mar 04, 2021

21st century will be a century of the sea, skies and space: Mansukh Mandaviya

Mr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Independent Charge) and Chemical and Fertilizers, Govt of India today said that connectivity has acquired existing and creative dimensions. We (the govt) are at the edge of exploring the possibility in communication and have attempted to bring countries to brainstorm on some of the primary issues in the agenda of maritime connectivity, he added.

Addressing the virtual session ‘Chabahar Day’ during the Maritime India Summit organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, jointly with FICCI, Mr Mandaviya said, “The 21st century will not belong to land. It will be a century of the sea, skies, and space in keeping with the high priority that we attach in enhancing regional connectivity between India and Central Asia and beyond.”

Elaborating on the importance of the Chabahar Port, Mr Mandaviya said that the Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran, and Afghanistan to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving it access to the open sea. “The Port is part of a shared commitment towards peace stability and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan and has helped Afghanistan diversify its export opportunities,” he added.

The International North South Transport Corridor is an important regional connectivity project. For this we have partnered with 12 countries and we are strongly committed to the vision of activating this corridor at the earliest. India has already proposed the inclusion of Chabahar port is the INSTC routes and we welcome the interest shown by Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to join INSTC, he further added.

Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India said that access of landlocked economies to maritime movement has been a particular focus of the recent initiatives. “The shift in the fulcrum of economic growth towards Asia is creating unprecedented opportunities for connectivity in the region,” he said.

Further, Dr Jaishankar said that the Government of India, in recognising the importance of regional connectivity, made a landmark decision to undertake an overseas port investment in Chabahar. “The transport and transit corridor is intended to assist unhindered growth of commerce throughout the region and to create a safe, secure and reliable route to trade in the region,” he noted.

On Afghanistan’s will to join the multilateral corridor project, Dr Jaishankar said, “Establishing an eastern corridor through Afghanistan would maximise its potential. India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route. I am hopeful that during the next INSTC coordination council meeting, member states would agree for the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and agree on expanding the membership of this project.”

Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India stressed that the Maritime India Vision 2030 emphasises on boosting productivity, improving performance and connectivity, and reducing logistic costs by adopting cost affective processes. “The operationalisation of the Chabahar Port will help bring down the logistics costs for Afghanistan and the other countries of the region. It will enable Afghanistan to boost trade not only with India but with also other countries and greatly promote regional cooperation,” he said.

It is our vision to make Chabahar Port a transit hub under INSTC to reach out to CIS countries, Dr Ranjan further added.

Elaborating on the need for private partnerships, Mr Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich, Deputy Minister of Transport, Republic of Uzbekistan said, “We are working to determine the most optimal transport corridor to enter the Chabahar Port. We see great prospects for the port as the number of infrastructure projects are completed. However, for the use of the port in full measure we support the establishment of a tie between the private sector of our countries for the possible creation of infrastructure or joint transport companies.”

Mr Mohammad Eslami, Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Iran said that Chabahar can be converted to a port for petrochemical and other industries in the region through the development of transport and logistics.

Further to India’s participation in the first phase of the development of the port of Chabahar, Mr Eslami said, “I hope we can enjoy more credit lines allocated by India through well-equipped Chabahar port as well as completion of the infrastructure projects on time.”

Ms Kristine Ghalechyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Republic of Armenia, said that Armenia gives much importance to the country’s integration with the regional transport network. “This is the right time to declare Armenia as a transit country with high-quality rail and road connections. Our (the Armenian Govt’s) vision is to establish long-term prosperity for the development of efficient cost-effective and environmentally socially sustainable transport infrastructure and services based on international standards,” she noted.

Mr Ruslan Baimishev, Vice-Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development, Republic of Kazakhstan said the world community understands the importance of developing transportation and infrastructure on the basis of integration.

Speaking on the importance and strategic location of the Chabahar Port, Mr Oleg N Ryazantsev, Deputy Minister of Industry & Trade, Russia said that the port has a special place in the transportation for the region. “The international North-South corridor is integral for the development of production and trade in the region,” he said.

Janam TV English | Mar 04, 2021

Maritime India Summit-2021 celebrates ‘Chabahar Day’

Chabahar Day was commemorated on the sidelines of the Second edition of International Maritime Summit 2021 in the virtual format. The event was attended and addressed by many dignitaries.

The meeting was chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Minister of State for Chemical & Fertilizers who also delivered the keynote address.

The ministers stressed on the increasing need for closer cooperation in the creation of an integrated multi-modal transport system to enhance regional connectivity.

Mansukh Mandaviya termed Chabahar port as the “connecting point” for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID pandemic. He also mentioned Chabahar Port as part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan. Chabahar has allowed India to export humanitarian supplies to Kabul and has also helped Afghanistan diversify its export opportunities.

Mangalore Mirror | Mar 04, 2021

Maritime India Summit-2021 concludes today with ‘Chabahar Day’

The Second edition of Virtual Maritime India Summit-2021 concluded today. The three-day maritime conference was one of the biggest virtual maritime summits of the world.

In his key note address of Chabahar day Session, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that Chabahar Port project will be developed as transit hub for cross connectivity between the India and Eurasia and further added that Chabahar Port handled 123 vessels and total 13,752 TEUs and 18 lakh tons of bulk / general cargo. Chabahar Port has emerged as the “connecting point” for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic, added Shri Mandaviya. Shri Mandaviya reiterated the importance of the maritime sector and said, ‘The 21st century will not belong to land; it will be a century of the seas, skies and space’.

In the Valedictory Session of Maritime India Summit-2021, Shri Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, additional secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways briefed about the summit and added that about 1.90 lakh delegates registered for the summit,16 international ministers from 11 nations joined for different sessions. A total of six union ministers, chief ministers of three states and two state ministers having joined us for different sessions. A total of 55 CEOs, which included 31 international CEOs and 24 Indian CEOs joined during the CEO’s forum . A total of 110 exhibitors joined during the summit, in 18 pavilions and 107 booths, which led to 5,540 B2B meetings. A total of more than 64,000 visitors were recorded during the three days of the summit.

In his concluding remark, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya said, ‘Maritime India Summit-2021 will empower and strengthen Maritime India Vision-2030 which was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inauguration of the summit. Due to MIS-2021, the expectations and the aspirations of the world towards India has increased. We have to keep marching towards achieving our goal. MoU signed during the summit should borne successful outcome with our dedicated and focused efforts’. Shri Mandaviya ended with optimism and said, “AatmNirbhar Maritime Sector’ would be foundation of the New India and ‘AatmNirabhar India”

News Vibes of India | Mar 04, 2021

With Chabahar Day session, Maritime India Summit-2021 concludes

Chabahar Port has emerged as the connecting point between India and Eurasia to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said during the conclusion of the Maritime India Summit.

The second edition of the three-day Maritime India Summit has concluded today. The conference was one of the biggest virtual maritime summits of the world, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

In his keynote address of the Chabahar day Session, Mandaviya, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways said that the Chabahar Port project will be developed as a transit hub for cross connectivity between India and Eurasia.

He further added that Chabahar Port handled 123 vessels and a total of 13,752 TEUs and 18 lakh tons of bulk / general cargo.

Mandaviya reiterated the importance of the maritime sector and said, ‘The 21st century will not belong to the land; it will be a century of the seas, skies, and space’.

“Maritime India Summit-2021 will empower and strengthen Maritime India Vision-2030 which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the inauguration of the summit,” the minister said.

Due to MIS-2021, the expectations and the aspirations of the world towards India have increased. We have to keep marching towards achieving our goal, he added.

He noted, “MoU signed during the summit should bear successful outcome with our dedicated and focused efforts’.”

In the Valedictory Session of Maritime India Summit-2021, Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, an additional secretary of the Shipping Ministry briefed about the summit and added that about 1.90 lakh delegates registered for the summit,16 international ministers from 11 nations joined for different sessions.

A total of six union ministers, chief ministers of three states, and two state ministers participated in different sessions, with more than 64,000 visitors being recorded during the three days of the summit, he added.

PSU Connect | Mar 04, 2021

Virtual Maritime India Summit-2021 concluded today

The Second edition of Virtual Maritime India Summit-2021 concluded today. The three-day maritime conference was one of the biggest virtual maritime summits of the world.

In his keynote address of Chabahar day Session, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that the Chabahar Port project will be developed as a transit hub for cross connectivity between the India and Eurasia and further added that Chabahar Port handled 123 vessels and total 13,752 TEUs and 18 lakh tons of bulk / general cargo. Chabahar Port has emerged as the “connecting point” for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic, added Shri Mandaviya. Shri Mandaviya reiterated the importance of the maritime sector and said, ‘The 21st century will not belong to land; it will be a century of the seas, skies and space’.

In the Valedictory Session of Maritime India Summit-2021, Shri Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, additional secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways briefed about the summit and added that about 1.90 lakh delegates registered for the summit,16 international ministers from 11 nations joined for different sessions. A total of six union ministers, chief ministers of three states and two state ministers having joined us for different sessions. A total of 55 CEOs, which included 31 international CEOs and 24 Indian CEOs joined during the CEO’s forum .

A total of 110 exhibitors joined during the summit, in 18 pavilions and 107 booths, which led to 5,540 B2B meetings. A total of more than 64,000 visitors were recorded during the three days of the summit. In his concluding remark, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya said, ‘Maritime India Summit-2021 will empower and strengthen Maritime India Vision-2030 which was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inauguration of the summit. Due to MIS-2021, the expectations and the aspirations of the world towards India has increased. We have to keep marching towards achieving our goal.

MoU signed during the summit should borne successful outcome with our dedicated and focused efforts’. Shri Mandaviya ended with optimism and said, “AatmNirbhar Maritime Sector’ would be foundation of the New India and ‘AatmNirabhar India”

Lokmat English | Mar 04, 2021

Chabahar Port has emerged as 'connecting point' to deliver humanitarian assistance: Mansukh Mandaviya

Yahoo News | Mar 04, 2021

Chabahar Port has emerged as 'connecting point' to deliver humanitarian assistance: Mansukh Mandaviya

Chabahar Port has emerged as the 'connecting point' for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday.

Virtually addressing the opening session on Maritime India Summit 2021, the Union Minister said, "Chabahar Port has emerged as the 'connecting point' for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic. India has used Chabahar Port to ship wheat to Afghanistan."

"Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan, to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistic cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor," Mandaviya added.

He further said, "The 21st century will not belong to the land. It will be a century of the sea, skies and space keeping in mind the high priority that we attach to enhancing regional connectivity between India, Central Asia and beyond."

At the opening session, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar recounted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Iran in 2016 which paved the way for the trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan.

Jaishankar stated that today's event reflects India's strong commitment to work together with its own regional stakeholders to enhance connectivity in our region and to provide unhindered access to the sea and landlocked Central Asian countries through the Chabahar.

Other dignitaries who addressed their keynote at the session included, Minister of Transport Afghanistan, Qudratullah Zaki, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Russia, Oleg N Ryazantsev, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Armenia, Suren Papikyan, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Iran, Mohammad Eslami, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan M Chariyev Jasurbek Ergashevich, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Government of India Sanjay Bandopadhyay.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the second edition of Maritime India Summit-2021. He also launched an e-book of maritime vision 2030, which is aiming to make the Indian maritime industry at par with the top global benchmark in the next 10 years.

Devdiscourse | Mar 04, 2021

Chabahar Port has emerged as 'connecting point' to deliver humanitarian assistance: Mansukh Mandaviya

Chabahar Port has emerged as the 'connecting point' for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday. Virtually addressing the opening session on Maritime India Summit 2021, the Union Minister said, "Chabahar Port has emerged as the 'connecting point' for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic. India has used Chabahar Port to ship wheat to Afghanistan."

"Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan, to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistic cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor," Mandaviya added. He further said, "The 21st century will not belong to the land. It will be a century of the sea, skies and space keeping in mind the high priority that we attach to enhancing regional connectivity between India, Central Asia and beyond."

At the opening session, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar recounted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Iran in 2016 which paved the way for the trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. Jaishankar stated that today's event reflects India's strong commitment to work together with its own regional stakeholders to enhance connectivity in our region and to provide unhindered access to the sea and landlocked Central Asian countries through the Chabahar.

Other dignitaries who addressed their keynote at the session included, Minister of Transport Afghanistan, Qudratullah Zaki, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Russia, Oleg N Ryazantsev, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Armenia, Suren Papikyan, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Iran, Mohammad Eslami, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan M Chariyev Jasurbek Ergashevich, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Government of India Sanjay Bandopadhyay. Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the second edition of Maritime India Summit-2021. He also launched an e-book of maritime vision 2030, which is aiming to make the Indian maritime industry at par with the top global benchmark in the next 10 years.

News Tube | Mar 04, 2021

India commemorates Chabahar Day at Maritime India Summit 2021

The Ministry of External Affairs announced that India will commemorate “Chabahar Day” Thursday, March 4 on the sidelines of India’s Maritime Summit 2021. Ministers from more than six countries, namely Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will participate in the virtual meeting.

At the virtual meeting which will be addressed by S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India.

The Minister of External Affairs stressed the importance of regional connectivity and said: “The Indian government, recognizing the importance of regional connectivity, has taken the historic decision to undertake an overseas port investment in Chabahar. While this project had been under discussion for some time, it was during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran in 2016 that a trilateral agreement to establish an international transport and transit corridor was signed. by India, Iran and Afghanistan.

“The port of Chabahar has not only become a commercial transit hub for the region, but has also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The port is part of our shared commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Afghan people. India used the port of Chabahar to ship 75,000 tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food aid to Afghanistan in September 2020, ”Jaishankar added.

Jaishankar also praised the efforts of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to join this multilateral corridor project. “The North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC) is an important trade corridor project, in which India partners with 12 countries to establish an economic corridor for the benefit of our people. We also welcome the interest of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in joining the multilateral corridor project, ”he said.

Earlier, while talking about the importance of Chabahar, Minister of State for Ports Mansukh Mandaviya said: “Chabahar Port is an important destination, and we are developing it. Two cranes have been asked. I will inaugurate it. Chabahar connects us to the CIS countries … this will increase connectivity with Europe. The port of Chabahar is important “

Chabahar in Iran is the key to connectivity to western India, providing forays into Afghanistan and Central Asia and the key to the north-south international transport corridor from Mumbai to Moscow. In January, India sent 2 cranes to the port, and in the coming months another 4 cranes will be sent, which will increase the efficiency of the port.

Scroll | Mar 04, 2021

India calls for inclusion of Chabahar Port in international north-south transport route

India on Thursday proposed to include the Chabahar port in the International North South Transport Corridor route, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He also expressed hope that member states involved with the INSTC will agree to expand membership of the project.

“I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project,” the minister said, during a virtual “Chabahar Day” event. It was organised on the sidelines of the Maritime India Summit 2021.

The INSTC is a key trade corridor project, in which India is partnering with 12 countries to set up an economic route, Jaishankar said. “We also welcome the interest of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to join the multilateral corridor project,” the minister said. “Establishing an eastern corridor through Afghanistan would maximise its potential. India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route.”

The Chabahar port was not only a regional commercial transit hub but also facilitated in humanitarian assistance, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The port is part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said. “India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MT of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in September 2020.”

Jaishankar said the shift in the focal point of global economic growth towards Asia was creating unprecedented opportunities for connectivity. “There is a huge infrastructure deficit in the region which needs to be met to fulfill growing aspirations of our peoples,” he added.

The project, which includes India, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Oman, Syria and Ukraine, was first proposed in 2000 to curb costs and time in moving cargo, and to improve connectivity in the region between Russia and the Central Asian states and India, according to the Hindustan Times.

“The transport and transit corridor is intended to ensure the unhindered flow of commerce throughout the region and to create a safe, secure and reliable route to trade initially with Afghanistan, and thereafter with Central Asia as a whole,” Jaishankar said.

In July, India had dismissed reports that Iran had decided to exclude it from the construction project of a railway line linking the Chabahar port with Afghanistan, and said that Tehran is yet to nominate an authorised entity to finalise the outstanding technical and financial matters related to the venture.

India had signed the highly-anticipated deal on the Chabahar port, which lies in a free trade zone, in May 2016. The railway project was between the Iranian railways and the state-owned Indian Railways Construction Limited. It was meant to be part of India’s commitment to the trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan to build an alternate trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

India has invested $500 million (approximately Rs 3,700 crore) in the Chabahar project, which will connect the country with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. The first phase of the strategically-located project was inaugurated in December 2017.

SME Street | Mar 04, 2021

Minister praised the connectivity potential of Chabahar Port at Maritime India Summit-2021

The Second edition of Virtual Maritime India Summit-2021 concluded today. The three-day maritime conference was one of the biggest virtual maritime summits of the world.

In his keynote address of Chabahar day Session, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that Chabahar Port project will be developed as transit hub for cross connectivity between India and Eurasia and further added that Chabahar Port handled 123 vessels and total 13,752 TEUs and 18 lakh tons of bulk / general cargo. Chabahar Port has emerged as the “connecting point” for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic, added Shri Mandaviya. Shri Mandaviya reiterated the importance of the maritime sector and said, ‘The 21st century will not belong to land; it will be a century of the seas, skies and space’.

In the Valedictory Session of Maritime India Summit-2021, Shri Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, additional secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways briefed about the summit and added that about 1.90 lakh delegates registered for the summit,16 international ministers from 11 nations joined for different sessions. A total of six union ministers, chief ministers of three states and two state ministers having joined us for different sessions. A total of 55 CEOs, which included 31 international CEOs and 24 Indian CEOs joined during the CEO’s forum . A total of 110 exhibitors joined during the summit, in 18 pavilions and 107 booths, which led to 5,540 B2B meetings. A total of more than 64,000 visitors were recorded during the three days of the summit.

In his concluding remark, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya said, ‘Maritime India Summit-2021 will empower and strengthen Maritime India Vision-2030 which was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inauguration of the summit. Due to MIS-2021, the expectations and the aspirations of the world towards India has increased. We have to keep marching towards achieving our goal. MoU signed during the summit should borne successful outcome with our dedicated and focused efforts’. Shri Mandaviya ended with optimism and said, “AatmNirbhar Maritime Sector’ would be foundation of the New India and ‘AatmNirabhar India”

The News Strike | Mar 04, 2021

Maritime India Summit-2021 concludes today with 'Chabahar Day'

The Second edition of Virtual Maritime India Summit-2021 concluded today. The three-day maritime conference was one of the biggest virtual maritime summits of the world.

In his key note address of Chabahar day Session, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that Chabahar Port project will be developed as transit hub for cross connectivity between the India and Eurasia and further added that Chabahar Port handled 123 vessels and total 13,752 TEUs and 18 lakh tons of bulk / general cargo. Chabahar Port has emerged as the “connecting point” for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic, added Shri Mandaviya. Shri Mandaviya reiterated the importance of the maritime sector and said, ‘The 21st century will not belong to land; it will be a century of the seas, skies and space’.

In the Valedictory Session of Maritime India Summit-2021, Shri Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, additional secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways briefed about the summit and added that about 1.90 lakh delegates registered for the summit,16 international ministers from 11 nations joined for different sessions. A total of six union ministers, chief ministers of three states and two state ministers having joined us for different sessions. A total of 55 CEOs, which included 31 international CEOs and 24 Indian CEOs joined during the CEO’s forum . A total of 110 exhibitors joined during the summit, in 18 pavilions and 107 booths, which led to 5,540 B2B meetings. A total of more than 64,000 visitors were recorded during the three days of the summit.

In his concluding remark, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya said, ‘Maritime India Summit-2021 will empower and strengthen Maritime India Vision-2030 which was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inauguration of the summit. Due to MIS-2021, the expectations and the aspirations of the world towards India has increased. We have to keep marching towards achieving our goal. MoU signed during the summit should borne successful outcome with our dedicated and focused efforts’. Shri Mandaviya ended with optimism and said, “AatmNirbhar Maritime Sector’ would be foundation of the New India and ‘AatmNirabhar India”

IND News | Mar 04, 2021

MoS Mansukh Mandaviya says, Chabahar Port has emerged as ‘connecting point’ during COVID pandemic

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the Chabahar Port has emerged as the 'connecting point' for the region to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID pandemic.

Delivering his keynote address on 'Chabahar Day' in the Maritime India Summit today, Mr. Madaviya said, Chabahar Port is facilitating trade between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan with the countries of South and Southeast Asia and the Far East.

He said, India used the Port to ship wheat to Afghanistan even during the tough times of COVID-19. He added that India has already proposed the inclusion of Chabahar Port in the International North-South Transport Corridor, INSTCroute.

The Shipping & Ports Minister welcomed the interest shown by Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to join the INSTC.

Latest LY | Mar 04, 2021

424 MoUs Signed During Maritime India Summit 2021, Says Mansukh Mandaviya

A total of 424 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the second edition of the virtual Maritime India Summit-2021 that concluded on Thursday, said Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya.

The three-day maritime conference was inaugurated on March 2 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The summit received good support and a total of 424 MoUs were signed in three days. The investment of more than Rs 3 lakh crores has been committed by top maritime companies of the world and it is a matter of great pleasure for us," Mandaviya told ANI.

The Minister said the "Maritime Vision 2030" and its "road map" have released, and added, "seeing this, the shipping line infrastructure development companies are going to investing in India in coming days."

India also commemorated the 'Chabahar Day' today with ministerial presence from six nations at the Maritime India Summit organised by India's shipping ministry.

Mandaviya said Chabahar Port has emerged as the "connecting point" between India and Eurasia to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Chabahar Port project will be developed as a transit hub for cross connectivity between the two countries.

"Maritime India Summit-2021 will empower and strengthen Maritime India Vision-2030 which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the inauguration of the summit. Due to Maritime India Summit-2021, the expectations and the aspirations of the world towards India have increased. We have to keep marching towards achieving our goal," the Union Minister added.

The Economic Times | Mar 04, 2021

India to celebrate Chabahar Day with ministerial presence from six nations

India will commemorate ‘Chabahar Day’ on Thursday on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021 which is being held from March 02-04.

The event will be held virtually. Ministers from Russia, Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will participate in the event.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will address the Ministerial Level opening session. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ports,Shipping and Waterways and Minister of State for Chemical & Fertilizers will deliver the keynote address.

The Ministerial level opening session will be followed by two webinar sessions on the : "Development of Port Infrastructure: Unleashing Opportunities” and "Boosting Business through Trade Promotion and Regional Connectivity”.

In January India stepped up engagements with its extended neighbour Iran by handing over cranes for the strategically located Chabahar Port.

India is hoping to boost its involvement in the Chabahar Port, including a trilateral arrangement not only with Afghanistan but also with Uzbekistan. The Port is New Delhi’s key gateway to Afghanistan and its significance for India will increase as the landlocked country prepares for a political settlement.

The Chabahar Port is a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific vision –– to connect Eurasia with the Indian Ocean Region. The Port will also be part of INSTC network connecting Mumbai with Russia via Iran.

The Dispatch | Mar 04, 2021

India to commemorate Chabahar Day on sidelines of Maritime India Summit-2021 today

India will commemorate Chabahar Day today on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021. The event will be held virtually. Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan will participate in the event.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the Ministerial Level opening session. Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya will deliver the keynote address.

The Ministerial level opening session will be followed by two webinar sessions on the Development of Port Infrastructure: Unleashing Opportunities and Boosting Business through Trade Promotion and Regional Connectivity.

Defence Aviation Post | Mar 04, 2021

India to celebrate Chabahar Day with ministerial presence from six nations

India will commemorate ‘Chabahar Day’ on Thursday on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021 which is being held from March 02-04. The event will be held virtually. Ministers from Russia, Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will participate in the event.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will address the Ministerial Level opening session. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ports,Shipping and Waterways and Minister of State for Chemical & Fertilizers will deliver the keynote address.

The Ministerial level opening session will be followed by two webinar sessions on the : “Development of Port Infrastructure:Unleashing Opportunities” and “Boosting Business through Trade Promotion and Regional Connectivity”.

In January India stepped up engagements with its extended neighbour Iran by handing over cranes for the strategically located Chabahar Port.

India is hoping to boost its involvement in the Chabahar Port, including a trilateral arrangement not only with Afghanistan but also with Uzbekistan. The Port is New Delhi’s key gateway to Afghanistan and its significance for India will increase as the landlocked country prepares for a political settlement.

Defence Aviation Post | Mar 04, 2021

India to celebrate Chabahar Day with ministerial presence from six nations

India will commemorate ‘Chabahar Day’ on Thursday on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021 which is being held from March 02-04. The event will be held virtually. Ministers from Russia, Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will participate in the event.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will address the Ministerial Level opening session. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ports,Shipping and Waterways and Minister of State for Chemical & Fertilizers will deliver the keynote address.

The Ministerial level opening session will be followed by two webinar sessions on the : “Development of Port Infrastructure:Unleashing Opportunities” and “Boosting Business through Trade Promotion and Regional Connectivity”.

In January India stepped up engagements with its extended neighbour Iran by handing over cranes for the strategically located Chabahar Port.

India is hoping to boost its involvement in the Chabahar Port, including a trilateral arrangement not only with Afghanistan but also with Uzbekistan. The Port is New Delhi’s key gateway to Afghanistan and its significance for India will increase as the landlocked country prepares for a political settlement.

Orissa Diary | Mar 04, 2021

Entire rail network to be fully electrified by Dec 2023; entire rail network to run on renewable energy by 2030: Piyush Goyal

Mr Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Govt of India today said that the government is working to ensure that the entire rail network will be fully electrified by December 2023 and the entire rail network will run on renewable energy by 2030.

Addressing the virtual session ‘Investment Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh’, during the ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, jointly with FICCI, Mr Goyal said that India has had a glorious maritime history and we are on the path to build an even greater maritime future. “In the last 6 years, the capacity of our major ports has almost doubled. We have developed smart cities and industrial parks and integrated ports with the coastal economic zones. Integration of Road, Rail & Waterways can truly make India ‘One Nation, One Market, One Supply’,” he added.

Mr Goyal further said that we need to reduce our logistics cost so that the international and domestic freight costs will reduce from 13-14% cost of goods to a more acceptable international benchmark of 8%. “Bringing down the logistics cost is the need of the hour today. India cannot be competitive as long as our logistics cost remains so high. We are working on multi-modal logistics solutions to bring down the cost of transportation & increase supply chain efficiency. It’s time that we plan our port sector in such a manner that we can have modern and efficient ports, the turnaround time of ships can be brought down significantly. A more competitive spirit will help to keep the cost in freight and at port low,” he said.

Maritime India summit 2021, he said will be the beginning of our victory against high freight costs, our victory to be an international player in maritime sector, our victory in ensuring jobs. “Under PM’s leadership, the country has had a very rapid V-shaped recovery. This Maritime India Summit 2021 will be the beginning of our victory to be an international player in the sector,” he added.

Highlighting the potential in Andhra Pradesh, Mr Goyal said that the government is working closely with the Govt of Andhra Pradesh to further develop road, rail and port infrastructure and promote dedicated freight corridor as both for encouraging economic activities and bring manufacturing activity & promote industrial parks in the State. “I would urge industry captains to let us build industry at sea. We on our part will ensure ease of doing business. We will work in partnership with States for enhancing ease of doing business at state and local level.

He further stated that the maritime sector is a very critical sector for Atmanirbhar Bharat. We are working to turn our coastal region into a role model for ease of living and ease of doing business. He added that the government is working on 3 mantras for the infrastructure sector in the country ? Upgrade, Create, Dedicate. “If we re-invent with technology driven solutions like robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, our sector is SAFE- Sustainable, Agile, Futuristic, Efficient. I appeal to all stakeholders to utilize this opportunity to transform from being ‘service provider’ to ‘knowledge provider’,” Mr Goyal asserted.

Mr R Karikal Valaven, Special Chief Secretary Industries, Investment & Commerce, Govt of Andhra Pradesh said that the state of Andhra Pradesh is a natural choice for any investor to come and invest because of a very vibrant coastline. He further said that it is the endeavour of the state government to reduce the cost of doing business. “The state has a very good network of roads and railways and now with port infrastructure, the maritime economy is going to thrive. We are developing multimodal logistics parks to facilitate transportation,” he added.

Highlighting the State’s industrial policy, YSR AP1, Mr Valaven, said that it is a one stop shop for investors providing all solutions, handholding, facilitation, market support and all support required for doing business.

He further stated that the state government is also planning to promote maritime tourism. “Tourism is an area of our interest. All sea ports and fishing harbors will be connected through cruise tourism. We are aiming at inclusive growth for the state,” added Mr Valaven.

Mr K. Rama Mohana Rao, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Trust Mr NP Ramakrishna Reddy, CEO, AP Maritime Board; Lt Cdr Ravindra Reddy, Dy. CEO, AP Maritime Board and Mr Durgesh Dubey, Deputy Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Trust also shared their perspective during the session.

Orissa Diary | Mar 04, 2021

Govt of India committed to reduce its carbon emission by 30-35% by 2030: Nitin Gadkari

Mr Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME, Govt of India today said that the partnership of India and UK dates to many years and have a glorious history of working together on economy and infrastructure. Taking lessons from history, this is time for us to act upon delivering a sustainable infrastructure without compromising on the values of ecology and environment, he added.

Addressing the virtual session ‘India and the UK – Partners for Growth: Unlocking Sustainable and Climate-resilient Infrastructure Opportunities’, organized by FICCI, Mr Gadkari said that as per the Paris Climate Agreement, the government of India is committed in reducing its carbon emissions by 30-35 percent by 2030. The UK is also committed to reduce its carbon emission to net zero by 2050, he added.

Mr Gadkari further said that as far as India is concerned, we have limited resources, huge low-middle income population, demographic and cultural diversity but we also have a strong resolve for working towards a clean and green future. “I strongly believe that societies must be liveable, workable and sustainable. India has a surplus of solar energy potential that we can use for electricity generation. This is the time for us to act upon delivering a sustainable infrastructure without compromising on the values of ecology and environmental,” he emphasized.

Mr Gadkari stated that the India-UK partnership on climate action can deliver substantial progress towards reducing emissions and helping towards resilient infrastructure globally.

India-UK, he said are exploring how to develop technology and the investment needed for adoption of alternate and green energy sources. “It is important to share experiences, collaborate on research and development and catalyse the private sector to invest in renewable energy,” said Mr Gadkari.

India is taking several steps to achieve the national determined contribution targets for increasing renewable energy share through its ambitious target of achieving 450 MW renewable energy capacity by 2030. “One of the largest such expansion plans in the world is already underway,” he informed.

Mr Gadkari also said that UK is the world leader in intelligent transportation system, AI, GIS and GPS based tools and infrared surveillance systems. This can be used in India’s largest road network can be facilitated with these advanced technologies for effective traffic movement and road asset management. “We aim to learn success stories of each other to enhance our mutual knowledge as two great nations,” he noted.

He further stated that currently we are constructing highways at the rate of 33 kms per day which might be a world record. “My aim is to construct over 60,000 kms of highway in the next 5 years at the rate of more than 40 kms per day,” he added. The government is also developing 22 greenfield expressways along with access control corridors as a part of Bharatmala Pariyojna at a cost of Rs 3.32 lakh crore and these corridors will be completed before 2025.

The government, he said is developing 35 multimodal logistic parks with cold storage facilities and it will help in reducing logistic time and decongestion of our cities.

Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UK International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency and Minister of State (Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth) said that India has taken several successful steps towards climate change. Like the UK, India has shown its adaptation plans are at the heart of its approach to climate change. “Adaptation is the key focus of the India-UK partnership. Our common commitment to tackling climate change and the friendship between the two nations makes us ideal partners in finding solutions,” she added.

She emphasized that it is critical that we all devise comprehensive policy framework to develop climate resilient infrastructure. This will significantly reduce socio-economic vulnerability to natural disasters by anticipating, preparing for, and adapting to climate change conditions.

HE Mr Alex Ellis, The British High Commissioner to India said that one of the things which India has been a champion on is climate resilient infrastructure in its neighbourhoods. “That is what UK also supports and will continue to support,” he added.

He further said that India’s scale and opportunities and the UK’s knowledge and expertise are a good combination.

Mr Kolluru Krishan, Chairman, FICCI Climate Change Committee and Chairman, CVC Infrastructure Pvt Ltd said that when we talk of climate in resilient infrastructure and adaptation, the two sectors which are very important include transportation and the impact it has on MSMEs.

Yahoo News | Mar 03, 2021

India to commemorate 'Chabahar Day' tomorrow

India will commemorate 'Chabahar Day' on March 4 on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021 which is being held from March 2 to 4.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan will participate in the event.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the Ministerial Level opening session, while Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Minister of State for Chemical and Fertilizers will deliver the keynote address.

The Ministerial level opening session will be followed by two webinar sessions, "Development of Port Infrastructure: Unleashing Opportunities" and "Boosting Business through Trade Promotion and Regional Connectivity", according to the MEA.

The first trilateral Working Group meeting between India, Iran and Uzbekistan on the joint use of Chabahar port was held virtually in December last year, wherein participants held discussions on the use of the port for trade, transit and enhanced regional connectivity.

According to an official release by the MEA, the participants of the meeting had discussed the joint use of Chabahar port for trade and transit purposes and for enhancing regional connectivity. All three sides noted the significant role of the port to deliver humanitarian assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All sides welcomed India's proposal to hold Chabahar Day on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit scheduled to be hosted by India in January 2021, said the MEA.

In 2018, Iran and India had signed an agreement worth USD 85 million to develop the Chabahar Port in south-eastern Iran. The port is located in the Gulf of Oman, and provides an alternative route for trade between India and Afghanistan.

The Chabahar port is a key connectivity project to boost trade ties among India, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Lokmat English | Mar 03, 2021

India to commemorate 'Chabahar Day' tomorrow

ANI News | Mar 03, 2021

India to commemorate 'Chabahar Day' tomorrow

ETV Bharat | Mar 03, 2021

India to commemorate 'Chabahar Day' on Thursday

Outlook | Mar 03, 2021

India to commemorate ''Chabahar Day'' on Thursday

India will commemorate ''Chabahar Day'' on Thursday on the sidelines of the Maritime India Summit 2021 being held here, the Ministry of External Affairs said Wednesday.

The virtual event will see the participation of ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and the Uzbekistan.

India will commemorate ''Chabahar Day'' on March 04, 2021 on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021 which is being held from March 2-4, 2021, the MEA said in a statement.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the ministerial level opening session, while Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Minister of State for Chemical & Fertilizers, will deliver the keynote address, it said.

The ministerial-level opening session will be followed by two webinar sessions -- ''Development of Port Infrastructure: Unleashing Opportunities'' and ''Boosting Business through Trade Promotion and Regional Connectivity''.

The location of the Chabahar port has strategic advantage and high potential to provide connectivity among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and boost trade.

NDTV | Mar 03, 2021

India to commemorate "Chabahar Day" On March 4: Foreign Ministry

India will commemorate 'Chabahar Day' on Thursday on the sidelines of the Maritime India Summit 2021 being held in Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Wednesday.

The virtual event will see the participation of ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and the Uzbekistan.

India will commemorate 'Chabahar Day' on March 04, 2021 on the margins of the Maritime India Summit-2021 which is being held from March 2-4, 2021, the MEA said in a statement.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the ministerial level opening session, while Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Minister of State for Chemical & Fertilizers, will deliver the keynote address, it said.

The ministerial-level opening session will be followed by two webinar sessions -- 'Development of Port Infrastructure: Unleashing Opportunities' and 'Boosting Business through Trade Promotion and Regional Connectivity'.

The location of the Chabahar port has strategic advantage and high potential to provide connectivity among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and boost trade.

The Tribune | Mar 03, 2021

Modi says $82 billion being invested in ports, invites global firms to be part of India's growth trajectory

India will invest USD 82 billion in port projects by 2035, raise share of clean renewable energy source in maritime sector, develop waterways, augment seaplane services and boost tourism around lighthouses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday urging global players to make India a "preferred investment destination".

As many as 400 projects with investment potential to the tune of USD 31 billion are ready for investors, who can be a part of India's growth trajectory, Modi said while inaugurating the Maritime India Summit.

"As many as 574 projects at a cost of USD 82 billion or Rs 6 lakh crore have been identified under the Sagarmala project for implementation during 2030 and 2035...We will encourage private investment in the port sector...India's long coastline awaits you. India's hardworking people await you.

"Invest in our ports. Invest in our people. Let India be your preferred trade destination. Let Indian ports be your port of call for trade and commerce," the Prime Minister said as he invited players to invest in Indian ports, shipyards and waterways.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is ready with a list of 400 investable projects with investment potential of USD 31 billion or Rs 2.25 lakh crore, Modi said, adding that this would further strengthen India's commitment of overall development of its maritime sector.

"Through this Maritime India summit, I want to invite the world to come to India and be a part of our growth trajectory. India is emerging as a leading blue economy of the world. Our leading focus area includes upgrading current infrastructure, creating next generation infra, boosting the reform journey. Through these steps we aim to give vision to our Aatmanirbhar Bharat," he said.

Modi said, “Ours is a government that is investing in waterways in a way that was never seen before. Domestic waterways are found to be cost-effective and environment-friendly ways of transporting freight. We aim to operate 23 waterways by 2030."

He said this would be done through infrastructure enhancement, fairway development, navigation aid and river information system provisions and focus would also be given on augmenting regional connectivity to Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar.

New Maritime Infra will usher in ease of living through launch of roll-on, roll-off and other projects for harnessing rivers.

"Waterdromes at 16 locations are being developed to enable seaplane operations... River cruise terminal infra and jetty are being developed on five national waterways. We aim to develop domestic and international cruise terminals by 2023," the Prime Minister said.

Asserting that the government is working towards holistic maritime development that is not in silos, he said plans had been drawn for developing tourism on land adjacent to 78 out of 189 lighthouses on Indian coastline.

"This with the objective of enhancing development of the existing lighthouses and its surrounding areas into unique maritime tourism landmarks," he said, adding that the government had also initiated holistic development of islands.

Alongside, the usage of clean renewable energy in the maritime sector is being raised.

"We are in the process of installing solar- and wind-based power systems in all the major ports across the country. We aim to increase usage of renewable energy to more than 60 per cent of all energy by 2030 in three phases across Indian ports," he said.

Modi said Indian ports had reduced waiting time for inbound and outbound cargo. "India is very serious about growing in the maritime sector and emerging as a leading Blue Economy of the world," he said.

The government of India is also focusing on the domestic shipbuilding and ship repair market, he said, adding that to encourage domestic shipbuilding, a Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy for Indian Shipyards had been approved.

Recalling India's rich maritime heritage, the PM said it brings together many stakeholders. "Together we will achieve great success in boosting the maritime economy. India is a natural leader in this sector. Our nation has a rich maritime history. Civilisations flourished on our coasts. For thousands of years. Our ports have been important trading centres. Our ports connected India to the world," he said.

Emphasising on improving efficiency, he said as a result of steps in this direction, capacity of major ports which was 870 million tonnes in 2014, has increased to around 1,550 MT per annum at present.

"This productivity gain not only helps our ports but also boosts the overall economy by making our ports more competitive," he said.

The Prime Minister also launched an E book -- Maritime India vision (MIV) 2030 -- that envisages over Rs 3 lakh crore investments in various port sectors generating over 20 lakh direct and indirect jobs.

The MIV 2030 identifies five key areas to propel growth and deliver tangible benefits to agriculture, logistics, local manufacturing, recycling and tourism besides boosting Indian tonnage.

It aims to make India a preferred global destination for investments in the sector.

The Prime Minister also launched Sagar Manthan Mercantile Marine Domain that envisages receiving oceanic data among others.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya said post enactment of Recycling of Ship Act 2019, India now aspires to grab at least 50 per cent of global ship recycling business.

Zee News | Mar 02, 2021

India will invest USD 82 billion in port projects by 2035: PM Narendra Modi at Maritime Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday (March 2) that India will invest USD 82 billion in port projects by 2035, raising the share of clean renewable energy sources in the maritime sector. He also spoke about developing waterways and boosting tourism around lighthouses as part of port-led development.

Speaking at the Maritime India Summit, he invited global investors to invest in Indian ports, shipyards and waterways.

More than 574 projects costing USD 82 billion or Rs 6 lakh crore have been identified for implementation between 2015 and 2035 under the Sagarmala Project, he said.

The government, he said, is looking to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030.

"Ours is a government that is investing in waterways in a way that was never seen before. Domestic waterways are found to be cost effective and environment friendly ways of transporting freight," he said.

"This with the objective of enhancing development of the existing lighthouses and its surrounding areas into unique maritime tourism landmarks," he said adding the government has also initiated holistic development of islands.

Alongside, the usage of clean renewable energy in the maritime sector is being raised.

"We are in the process of installing solar and wind-based power systems in all the major ports across the country. We aim to increase usage of renewable energy to more than 60 per cent of all energy by 2030 in three phases across Indian ports," he said.

Modi said Indian ports have reduced waiting time for inbound and outbound cargo. "India is very serious about growing in the maritime sector and emerging as a leading Blue Economy of the world," he said.

Plans have been drawn for developing tourism on land adjacent to 78 out of 189 lighthouses on the Indian coastline.

Zee News | Mar 02, 2021

Centre aims to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030, says PM Narendra Modi at Maritime India Summit 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 2, 2021) inaugurated the 'Maritime India Summit 2021' and said that the Centre is aiming to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030.

Prime Minister Modi said, "Ours is a Government that is investing in waterways in a way that was never seen before. Domestic waterways are found to be cost-effective and environment friendly ways of transporting freight. We aim to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030."

He also pointed out that India has as many as 189 lighthouses across its vast coastline and said, "We have drawn up a programme for developing tourism in the land adjacent to 78 lighthouses. The key objective of this initiative is to enhance the development of the existing lighthouses and its surrounding areas into unique maritime tourism landmarks."

He announced that steps are also being taken to introduce urban water transport systems in key states and cities such as Kochi, Mumbai, Gujarat and Goa.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister also invited the world to come to India and be a part of the country's growth trajectory.

"India is very serious about growing in the maritime sector and emerging as a leading Blue Economy of the world. Through the focus areas of upgradation of infrastructure, boosting reform journey, India aims to strengthen the vision of Aatamnirbhar Bharat," he said.

He stated that instead of a piecemeal approach, the focus is on the entire sector as one.

The Prime Minister informed that the capacity of major ports has increased from 870 million tonnes in 2014 to 1550 million tonnes now. He also informed that mega ports with world-class infrastructure are being developed in Vadhavan, Paradip and Deendayal Port in Kandla.

He said that the Centre has recently widened the ambit of the maritime sector by renaming the Ministry of Shipping as Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways so that work happens in a holistic manner.

PM Modi said that the Ministry of Port Shipping and Waterways has created a list of 400 investable projects and that these projects have an investment potential of $ 31 billion (over Rs 2.25 lakh crores).

India TV | Mar 02, 2021

USD 82 bn being invested in ports: PM Modi at Maritime India Summit

India will invest USD 82 billion in port projects by 2035, raise the share of clean renewable energy source in the maritime sector, developing waterways and boost tourism around lighthouses as part of port-led development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. Speaking at the Maritime India Summit, he invited global investors to invest in Indian ports, shipyards and waterways. More than 574 projects costing USD 82 billion or Rs 6 lakh crore have been identified for implementation between 2015 and 2035 under the Sagarmala Project, he said.

The government, he said, is looking to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030.

"Ours is a government that is investing in waterways in a way that was never seen before. Domestic waterways are found to be cost-effective and environment-friendly ways of transporting freight," he said.

Also, plans have been drawn for developing tourism on land adjacent to 78 out of 189 lighthouses on the Indian coastline.

"This with the objective of enhancing the development of the existing lighthouses and its surrounding areas into unique maritime tourism landmarks," he said adding the government has also initiated holistic development of islands.