India, Iran, and Afghanistan also signed an agreement with the intention of simplifying transit procedures between the three countries.[1] Despite the expressed desire to circumvent Pakistan in order to augment Iranian and Indian economic ties, Indian goods destined for Iran currently do not require transit through Pakistan, as those goods can be exported to Iran via Bandar Abbas, where India also currently maintains a diplomatic mission.[320] Bandar Abbas is also consider a key node on the North–South Transport Corridor, backed by India and Russia since 2002.[321][322] Indian goods also can be imported and transited across Iran upon arrival at Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni near the Iraqi border.