According to India’s Economic Times Newspaper, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made the remarks during an interaction following the launch of the Bangla edition of his book ‘Why Bharat Matters’ in Kolkata on Wednesday.

When questioned about the US’ comments, Jaishankar responded, “I did come across some of the statements that were made, but I believe it’s about effective communication, persuasion, and fostering understanding that this endeavor is advantageous for all. It’s crucial not to adopt a narrow perspective.”

He highlighted that the US had previously recognized the broader significance of Chabahar.

Jaishankar elaborated that India had maintained a longstanding involvement with the project but had faced challenges in finalizing a long-term agreement, a crucial step. He emphasized that New Delhi successfully resolved these issues, enabling the signing of the long-term agreement, which he believed would be advantageous for the entire region.

Earlier on Tuesday, the United States warned that “anyone” considering business deals with Tehran needs to be aware of the “potential risk of sanctions.”

“I would just say…US sanctions on Iran remain in place and we will continue to enforce them,” the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel said at the press briefing.

“Any entity, anyone considering business deals with Iran, they need to be aware of the potential risk they are opening themselves up to, potential risk of sanctions,” he added.

The Long-Term Bilateral Agreement for the Operation of Chabahar Port was formally inked on Monday between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) of India and Iran’s Port & Maritime Organization (PMO). This agreement facilitates the operation of the Shahid-Behesti port within the Chabahar Port Development Project for a duration of 10 years.

AMK/PR