Pakistan, India agree on landmark shipping deal

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and India agreed on a revised Protocol on Shipping to meet the present and future demands of international maritime transport, after a two-day of extensive deliberations that ended on Saturday in Karachi.
Both sides agreed to delete paras 3 and 5 of the 1975 Protocol which were restricting lifting of cargo between the two countries by third country vessels as well as lifting of third country cargo by Indian and Pakistani flag vessels from each others’ ports.
The revised Protocol on Shipping would be signed after completion of necessary formalities by the respective governments.
The agreement on revised protocol “is expected to enhance tonnage under both the flags and also result in competitive shipping rates,” said a joint statement issued here at the end of technical level talks between shipping officials of the two countries.
The Pakistani delegation was led by S M Hasan Zaidi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports and Shipping while Susheel Kumar, Joint Secretary (Shipping), Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways headed the Indian side.
“The talks were held in a frank and cordial atmosphere. The two sides held detailed discussions aimed at reviewing the Shipping Protocol of 1975 with a view to improving the provisions of the Protocol,” the statement said.
During the talks, the difficulties being faced by seafarers of both countries were addressed.
The two sides also initiated discussions to enter into a bilateral Maritime Shipping Agreement.
The Indian side handed over a draft Maritime Shipping Agreement for consideration by the Pakistani side.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions for early finalization of a bilateral Maritime Shipping Agreement.—APP