'If proven India supported Israel then...': Iranian MP wants India's role in Chabahar Port reexamined

On Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that cooperation between Iran and India on Chabahar Port will continue as per the existing agreement. What otherwise would be a normal announcement has assumed significance in Iran after New Delhi chose to remain neutral in the Israel-Iran war. Ever since India chose not to condemn Israel in its attack on Iran, hardliners in Iran are seeking to revoke India's involvement in Chabahar Port, citing New Delhi's close ties with Tel Aviv.

An Iranian lawmaker has now stated that it was important to investigate India's alleged cooperation with Israel and "cut off contact and cooperation with countries that may be part of the Israeli infiltration project."

Seyyed Javad Hosseinikia, an MP and former member of the Industries and Mines Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, wrote in a piece published on think tank Thahririeh Studies Institute's platform that Iranians witnessed "some countries near and far adopting positions or remaining silent and these will remain in the minds of Iranians so that a definitive response can be given to them at the appropriate time."

On the need to rethink India's investment in Chabahar due to New Delhi's close cooperation with Israel, Hosseinikia said: "The rule of government and governance is that when cooperation with hostile governments and regimes is confirmed, Iran should reduce their involvement in various fields, from politics to economics."

He added that the relations Iran has with regional countries should be based on their dealings with Israel. "If it is proven to the country's government officials and security forces that India supported Israel's attack on Iran or provided aid and assistance to Israel, then a suitable alternative should be chosen for investment in the Chabahar Free Zone," he said.

Last week, a leading newspaper, Khabar Online, questioned India's efforts in Chabahar stating India preferred IMEC over the port. "This corridor, which has been proposed as a competitor to the Chinese corridors and even the North-South corridor, indicates a shift in India’s priorities from Chabahar to other transit routes," the report said.

 

Middle East