India, Iran and Afghanistan have moved one step closer to expand their trade and economic ties. At a trilateral meeting in Teheran, they agreed to work for expanding trade , investment and transit co-operation through Chabahar port in Iran. A joint working group consisting of the representatives of the three countries will meet within the next three months in Chabahar to expedite the process. Located in South East Iran, Chabahar port offers great opportunities in trade and commerce for India in Afghanistan and Central Asia. It bypasses Pakistan, which blocks the land routes to Afghanistan. The move was finalized at a trilateral meeting of the top officials from the three sides. India was represented by the Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai while the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Agrachi and Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abdul Yai were present on behalf of their countries.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna will arrive in Teheran today in the run up to Non Aligned Movement Foreign Ministerial level meet scheduled for August 28-29. The preparatory meeting of the officials continues for the second day today.