India says Iranian port to be functional in a year-and-a-half

India has said that the Chabahar port in Iran is likely to become functional within one-and-a-half years.

"Work has already begun on the Chabahar port. We will start port activities in a year or a year-and-a-half," Indian Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari was quoted by the media as saying Sunday.

India and Iran had earlier this month signed an agreement on the development of the Chabahar port, despite objections from the United States.

Once operational, the port will give India sea-land access to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. Endi