Daily News Analysis » India, Iran Sign Mou For Smooth Movement Of Seafarers

India, Iran Sign Mou For Smooth Movement Of Seafarers

Why in the News?

Recently, India and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) on recognition of Certificates of Competency in Unlimited Voyages.

Key Points:

  • The MoU was signed as per the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers (1978).
  • Significance of MoU: 
    • Help seafarers from both countries as per the STCW.

About International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping(STCW) for Seafarers:

  • The convention was adopted in 1978 by a conference at the International Maritime Organization(IMO) in London and entered into force in 1984.
  • It prescribes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level.
  • Important feature: It applies to ships of non-party States when visiting ports of States which are Parties to the Convention.

India – Iran Relataions

Background: 

  • India and Iran share close historical ties from the times of Persian Empire and Indian kingdoms. 
  • The two countries shared a border until India’s partition and independence in 1947.
  • In 1950 India and Iran established diplomatic relations. 
  • In 2001 and 2003, the Tehran and New Delhi declarations were signed to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Areas of cooperation:

Political relations: India and Iran signed a friendship treaty on March 15, 1950.

  • Tehran Declaration: The two countries signed the “Tehran Declaration” in 2001, which set forth the areas of possible cooperation between the two countries.

Economic links:

  • India-Iran economic and commercial ties have traditionally been buoyed by Indian import of Iranian crude oil.
  • India’s major exports: Rice, tea, sugar, soya, medicines/pharmaceuticals, man-made staple fibres, electrical machinery, etc. 
  • Major imports: Inorganic/organic chemicals, fertilisers, cement clinkers, fruits and nuts, leather, etc. 

Humanitarian Assistance:

  • In 2020, India provided for 40,000 litres of Malathion 96% ULV pesticides to Iran via Chabahar port to mitigate locust threat to agriculture and enhance food security in the region.
  • India delivered PPE kits and PCR machines during the COVID-19 crisis.

Connectivity Projects:

  • International transport and transit corridor project: This project initially conceived in 2003 was finally agreed to in 2016. 
  • Iran, India and Afghanistan signed the ‘International Transport and Transit Corridor Agreement’ in 2016 in Tehran(Iran).

About Chabahar Port:

  • Location: Chabahar port is located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
  • It is the only deep-sea port in Iran with direct ocean access. 
  • Important Commercial Hub: It acts as a key transit center on the burgeoning International North-South Transport Corridor, giving it the potential to develop into one of the most important commercial hubs in the region.

Significance of the Chabahar Port for India:

  • To harness the trade opportunities by India with Central Asian countries.
  • Increase in trade and shipment volume.
  • Catalyst to unlock the huge trade potential in the region.
  • Strengthen India’s position as a regional and global power.
  • Counter Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea which China is trying to ensure by developing the Gwadar port.

Way Forward: 

  • India and Iran can revamp their worldview by using common identities and interests to carve a space for themselves in Afghanistan.
  • India and Iran could play a major part in giving INSTC the required boost to reap benefits of resultant trade.
  • India engagement with Iran could open a huge potential of cooperation between these two great nations and civilizations. Time is therefore ripe for a reset.