INDIA MOURNS IRANIAN PRESIDENT RAISI’S DEATH:

Why in the news?

  • India observes state mourning following President Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash confirmed by Tehran.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extend condolences, highlighting Raisi’s contribution to India-Iran bilateral relations.
  • Talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Jaishankar and Iranian officials focused on maritime security and Chabahar port cooperation.
  • President Raisi’s death casts uncertainty over the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting in Astana, impacting India’s diplomatic engagements.
source:milleniumpost

About Chabahar Port Agreement between India And Iran:

  • Chabahar Port: Iran’s sole oceanic port, located in Sistan and Baluchistan Province on the Makran coast, in the Gulf of Oman.
  • Ports: Consists of two main ports – Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
  • India’s Involvement: India signed a long-term agreement with Iran to develop the Shahid Beheshti port.
  • Strategic Significance: Part of India’s strategic and economic vision for Central Asia and beyond.
About “Shanghai Cooperation Organization”(SCO):

  • Founded in 2001 by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
  • Aims :to promote cooperation in trade, investment, energy, security, and more.
  • Based on the “Shanghai Spirit” emphasizing trust, equality, and mutual benefit.
  • Objectives: include strengthening relations, promoting cooperation, and safeguarding regional peace and stability.