Shahid Behesti Port, Iran
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India Iran Joint Issue |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | February 17, 2018 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 501,000 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¾ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Shri Kamleshwar Singh Smt. Alka Sharma |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3359A Stamp Number IN 3008 Yvert et Tellier IN 3049 Stanley Gibbons IN 3474 |
| Themes | Container Ships | Joint Issues | Ports | Trade |
Shahid Beheshti Port – The Maritime Gateway of Chabahar
Shahid Beheshti Port, located in Chabahar, in the Sistan-Baluchistan Province of Iran, is one of the most strategically significant ports in the region. Situated on the southeastern coast of Iran, along the Oman Sea, this port serves as Iran’s only oceanic port and lies outside the Persian Gulf, making it a crucial hub for international maritime trade.
Strategic Location and Importance
The Chabahar Port, comprising Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari terminals, occupies a unique geographic position that connects the Middle East with Central Asia, Russia, and Europe. The port lies approximately 550 nautical miles (1,018 km) from Deendayal Port, Kandla (India) and 768 nautical miles (1,422 km) from Mumbai. Its location gives India an alternate and direct sea route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan — a route of immense geopolitical and commercial value.
India–Iran Partnership
India and Iran’s partnership in developing Phase I of the Shahid Beheshti Port stands as a milestone in bilateral cooperation. In 2016, both countries signed a contract involving USD 85 million in Indian investment for equipping the port and USD 150 million as a line of credit for development. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to enhancing regional trade connectivity and promoting mutual growth.
Infrastructure and Capacity
Spanning over 240 hectares, Shahid Beheshti Port currently has five jetties, capable of accommodating ships of 70,000–80,000 tons. The Phase I development plan includes the establishment of a container terminal and a multipurpose terminal, designed to handle a variety of cargo efficiently.
The adjoining Shahid Kalantari Port, covering 80 hectares, currently handles smaller vessels and boasts an overall capacity of 70,000–75,000 TEU per annum, reinforcing Chabahar’s role as a growing maritime hub.
Economic and Regional Significance
The development of Shahid Beheshti Port represents not just an infrastructural advancement but also a gateway for regional trade and connectivity. It enhances access to landlocked nations such as Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics, opening new opportunities for commerce and economic integration. The port is also poised to strengthen the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), linking India with Iran, Russia, and Europe.
Symbol of India–Iran Maritime Connectivity
In the India–Iran Joint Commemorative Stamp Issue, Shahid Beheshti Port is featured alongside Deendayal Port, Kandla, under the theme “Trade and Commerce Connectivity.” The stamp design showcases the Ashokan Pillar from India and the Achaemenid Griffin from Iran, symbolizing the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and architectural connections between the two ancient civilizations.
Conclusion
Shahid Beheshti Port stands as a symbol of strategic cooperation and shared progress between India and Iran. With its immense commercial potential and strategic location, the port is poised to become a cornerstone of regional trade, fostering connectivity, prosperity, and friendship across Asia and beyond.