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

India, Iran Sign Mou For Smooth Movement Of Seafarers

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

Why in the News?

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

The MoU was signed as per the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers (1978).

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.

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.