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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the US warning, emphasizing that “anyone” looking to engage in business with Tehran must recognize the “potential risk of sanctions.”
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar: A Trailblazing Journey in Indian Diplomacy and Politics
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, born on January 9, 1955, is an accomplished Indian diplomat and politician who has been serving as the Minister of External Affairs since May 2019. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he was elected to the Rajya Sabha representing Gujarat. His distinguished career in diplomacy began with his entry into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1977. Over the decades, he has held several significant positions, including Ambassador to the United States, China, and the Czech Republic, as well as High Commissioner to Singapore
Jaishankar has been crucial in shaping key foreign policy initiatives, notably playing a significant role in the negotiation of the US-India civil nuclear agreement.
His efforts have been vital in strengthening India’s relationships with major global powers. He holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi and has published numerous scholarly articles on foreign policy and international relations .On the personal front, Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar, a Japanese national, and they have two sons and a daughter. He is known for his proficiency in multiple languages, including Tamil, Russian, and Japanese .
Jaishankar Advocates for Regional Cooperation Amidst US Concerns Over Chabahar Port Deal
The day after the United States cautioned about the possibility of sanctions over India’s 10-year pact to manage the Chabahar Port in Iran, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored the project’s regional advantages. He advised against taking a narrow perspective and reminded that the US had previously acknowledged the broader importance of the Chabahar Port.
Jaishankar made these remarks during an event in Kolkata for the launch of the Bangla edition of his book, “Why Bharat Matters,” on Wednesday.
When questioned about the warning from the US, Mr. Jaishankar replied, “I have observed some of the comments made, but it’s about effectively communicating, persuading, and facilitating understanding that this project is advantageous for all parties involved. It’s crucial to avoid taking a limited perspective.”
He also emphasized, “Over time, the US has adopted a comprehensive perspective. Their position on the Chabahar Port reflects acknowledgment of its wider importance. We will continue our dedication to progressing in this domain.”
On Tuesday, the United States issued a caution, stating that “anyone” contemplating business transactions with Tehran should be aware of the “potential risk of sanctions.”
Vedant Patel, the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, emphasized during a press briefing, “US sanctions on Iran remain in place and we will continue to enforce them.”
“Any entity or individual considering business deals with Iran must be aware of the potential risk of sanctions,” Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, warned during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The Long-Term Bilateral Contract on Chabahar Port Operation was signed on Monday between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Iran’s Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO), enabling the operation of the Chabahar Port Development Project includes the operation of Shahid Beheshti port for a duration of 10 years.
Jaishankar Stresses Importance of Finalizing Chabahar Agreement
Mr. Jaishankar explained that although India had been involved with the Chabahar project for a long time, signing a long-term agreement had previously been elusive due to various issues on the Iranian side, including changes in joint-venture partners and other conditions. He emphasized that resolving these issues and finalizing the long-term pact was crucial, as it will benefit the entire region.
The Indian government has invested in the infrastructure of the Chabahar Port and has been actively upgrading its facilities. This effort is aimed at establishing the port as a viable transit route for Indian goods destined for Afghanistan and Central Asia.
