Iran has opened direct access to the Indian Ocean for Tajikistan

Tajikistan and Iran are actively discussing joint economic projects. We are talking about the possibility of opening Tajikistan’s own logistics center in the Iranian port of Chabahar with the participation of Tajik entrepreneurs, as well as the creation of an industrial park in Dushanbe with Iranian investments and technologies. These key areas of development of bilateral ties, as well as issues on the regional agenda, including Afghanistan, were discussed in Tehran during the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan and Iran, Sirodjiddin Muhriddin and Abbas Araqchi. The Tajik Minister’s visit to Tehran is connected with his participation in the IV Forum of the Tehran Dialogue on May 17-19. He is expected to be received by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran is hosting the annual Tehran Dialogue Forum for the fourth time. The exception was the covid year 2021. The theme of the current event: “Dialogues for Regional and International Consensus and Convergence,” organized by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The forum brought together more than 200 delegations from 53 countries to discuss key issues ranging from security cooperation and counterterrorism to the development of economic ties, trade routes, as well as cultural and educational exchanges. The Forum provides participants with an excellent opportunity to exchange views, establish new connections and discuss ways to address common challenges. Tajikistan’s active participation in the Tehran Dialogue not only confirms the country’s desire to be involved in regional and international processes, but also contributes to the further strengthening of bilateral relations between Dushanbe and Tehran and the expansion of cooperation in various fields.

The Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan and Iran exchanged views on cooperation issues on the sidelines of the forum, and also emphasized the deep cultural, linguistic and civilizational commonality between the two countries. It was noted at the meeting that Iran remains an important external partner for Tajikistan.

After the victory of Masoud Pezeshkian in the presidential election, relations between Iran and Tajikistan are gaining momentum. The heads of Iran and Tajikistan have already met four times: the first meeting took place in Tehran at Pezeshkian’s inauguration in July 2024. At that time, the new Iranian president stressed the need to strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan, focusing on reducing political barriers and expanding cooperation (see NG dated 07/30/24). In response, Emomali Rahmon drew his colleague’s attention to the fivefold increase in trade turnover in recent years, which, according to the Tajik leader, indicates the potential of trade and economic cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan. Recall that in 2023 it amounted to 270 million dollars. Today, the parties plan to increase it to $1 billion. The second meeting took place in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where issues of security, economics, science, culture and assistance to Afghanistan were discussed. Then there was a meeting in Doha, the leaders of the two countries met on the sidelines of the third summit “Dialogue on Cooperation in Asia”. Finally, in mid-January 2025, Peseshkian visited Dushanbe (see NG dated 16.01.25). The two heads of state signed 23 documents, discussed expanding logistical cooperation through the Iranian port of Chabahar and simplifying border procedures. The last issue was resolved quickly – since February, a visa-free regime for air travel has been established between Iran and Tajikistan. Now citizens of Iran and Tajikistan have the right to stay in another country for up to 30 days during a 90-day period without obtaining a visa.

At the international exhibition Iran Expo 2025, held in Tehran at the end of April, the project of creating a joint Tajik-Iranian industrial technopark was actively discussed. The Ministry of Industry of Tajikistan reported that Iranian companies have been invited to participate in investment projects aimed at developing the republic’s production potential. The Tajik side presented opportunities for cooperation in the field of innovation, highlighting the potential for collaboration with the Center for Innovation and Digitalization in Dushanbe. In addition, during the talks between the head of the Ministry of Industry, Sherali Kabir, and the Director General of the Iranian industrial group, Fulad Mobarake Saeed Zarandi, prospects for cooperation in the steel industry, including issues of export and import of steel products, were considered.

Finally, in early May, at the 17th meeting of the joint commission in Shiraz, Tajikistan confirmed its intention to establish its own logistics center in the Iranian port of Chabahar with the involvement of national entrepreneurs. According to the information agency Avesta.tj The delegation of the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan has already explored the possibilities of Chabahar, a unique deep–water port providing access to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The Tajik side has pledged to submit a construction project in the first half of the year, after which Iran will prepare a draft agreement including government preferences within a month. According to the Ministry of Transport, this project will provide Tajikistan with direct access to the Indian Ocean as part of the China–Tajikistan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey–Europe corridor, contributing to economic diversification and expansion of foreign economic relations with key regions of Asia and Africa.

Tehran also pursues its important strategic interests in the development of regional logistics. A key element of this strategy is the Chabahar port and the creation of efficient transport corridors. By the end of this year, it is planned to complete the construction of the Chabahar–Zahedan railway line, which will connect the port with the Afghan province of Nimroz. Moreover, Iran’s ambitions extend further.: As Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Ferzane Sadegh recently stated, there is an intention to extend this railway line to the city of Serakhs on the northeastern border with Turkmenistan. This step, according to the minister, is designed to significantly expand Iran’s transit cargo handling capabilities, strengthening its position as a regional transport hub.

Against the background of the changing geopolitical situation, Iran is increasingly confidently implementing its “Look to the East” strategy. This is reflected, in particular, in the significant strengthening of economic and political ties with Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries, which is becoming a priority area of Tehran’s foreign policy.