Explained: Why Is Chabahar Port In Iran Strategically Important For India? Check How New Pact Helps Counter Pakistan, China - Top Points
Dar Javed
Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman, is a strategic maritime facility. It is particularly significant for India for several reasons: Strategic Location: Chabahar is situated outside the Persian Gulf, giving it strategic importance. It offers India direct access to Iran and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, with which India has strained relations. This location is critical for India's trade and geopolitical interests in the region. Trade and Economic Benefits: The port provides India with a more efficient trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. It reduces transportation time and costs for goods, enhancing trade connectivity. India has been involved in the development of the port and the associated rail link to Zahedan, aiming to create a trade corridor that links the Indian Ocean with Central Asia. Geopolitical Significance: Chabahar serves as a counterbalance to the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, which is being developed by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). India's involvement in Chabahar is seen as part of its broader strategy to counter China's influence in the region and to strengthen its ties with Iran and other Central Asian countries. International Collaboration: The development of Chabahar has seen collaboration between India, Iran, and Afghanistan. It is part of India's commitment to fostering regional cooperation and development. Latest Developments As of the latest updates, India continues to invest in the development of Chabahar Port despite challenges, including U.S. sanctions on Iran. In recent years, India has focused on increasing the port's operational capacity and improving infrastructure. The port has been operational, and India has been shipping goods, including humanitarian aid, to Afghanistan through Chabahar. In April 2021, India, Iran, and Uzbekistan held their first trilateral working group meeting on the joint use of Chabahar Port, emphasizing its importance for regional trade connectivity. Additionally, India's commitment to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to connect India with Russia and Europe via Iran, further underscores the strategic importance of Chabahar. Overall, Chabahar Port is a key element of India's strategy to enhance its trade links, secure its strategic interests, and foster regional economic integration
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