The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal affirmed India's commitment to unlocking the trade potential with the Central Asian region through the use of Chabahar Port in Iran. The minister was addressing a Conference in Mumbai today on the occasion of 'Chabahar Day' the day to mark the beginning of an Indian vision to economize the movement of cargo between India and Central Asia through the Chabahar Port located in Iran.<br />'' <br />'' Mr. Sonowal said that the Indian government envisions making Chabahar Port a transit hub under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to reach out to Commonwealth Independent States countries. Sonowal further said that Chabahar Port links the rich Central Asian region with the South Asian markets. It has emerged as significant for trade, economic collaborations and connecting people between the two geographies. Owing to the potential of the Central Asian markets, the India-led connectivity has provided secure and commercially viable access to the Indian Ocean region for Central Asian countries. He added that this link will not only provide connectivity but also drive investments further supporting our cultural and political ties He stated that it will additionally develop the transit and transport potential of the Central Asian Region and improve their logistic network. The minister said that Chabahar Port will lead to promoting a joint initiative to create a regional and international transport corridor over there.<br />'' <br />'' MoS Shripad Yesso Naik who was also present on the occasion said that, in the coming years, developments in the Shahid Beheshti Port which is part of Chabahar Port will support the faster growth of business and raise standards of living in the region. He stated that the infrastructural linkage would lead to the expansion of trade and investment prospects in the region.<br />'' <br />''The high-level diplomatic delegation from the countries of the central Asian region was also present on the occasion.