Iran invites Indian investment in infrastructure projects worth $8 billion

Following the lifting of the sanctions imposed by the West, Iran has invited India to invest in infrastructure projects in various in sectors including railways, ports, bridges and rail electrification, worth $8 billion and has also offered a stake in expansion of the second phase of Tehran's Imam Khomeini international airport. Iran's ambassador to India Gholamreza Ansari hopes that the some of the investments will kick-start soon as Iran offers huge potential. He said that the Delhi will get priority when Iran government invites partners for investments. Besides, Iran is also seeking Indian investments in special economic zones of Chabahar.

Further, Iran has invited India to invest in the 220-km rail link between Rash and Astara in northwestern Iran which will complete the International North South Transport Corridor and make it operational by linking Iran with Central Asia and Eurasia. Besides, Iran has also invited India to construct a rail link between Masad in northeastern Iran and Herat in Afghanistan. He said that the India will be the end-user in all these projects will help India as these links will connect South Asia's biggest country with the huge market and will also help in transportation of commodities from the Eurasian region.

Connectivity is one area where Iran and India are hoping to forge a win-win partnership. Currently, the two sides are negotiating India's participation in the 600-km rail network between Chabahar port and Zahedan, which will connect India with the Iranian rail network.