International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

Subject: International Affairs

Context: India has proposed inclusion of Chabahar port in the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) route at Chabahar Day’ at the Maritime India Summit.

Concept:

• India’s interest in Chabahar reflects importance it attaches to regional connectivity and strategic, economic significance it offers.

About INSTC

• The INSTC is a key trade corridor project, wherein India is partnering with 12 countries to establish an economic corridor.
• 7,200-km multi-mode transport (Rail, sea, Road) project to move freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.
• Aim is to increase trade connectivity between major cities such as Mumbai, Moscow, Tehran, Baku, Bandar Abbas, Astrakhan, Bandar Anzali, etc.
• Dry runs of two routes were conducted in 2014, the first was Mumbai to Baku via Bandar Abbas and the second was Mumbai to Astrakhan via Bandar Abbas, Tehran and Bandar Anzali.