Chabahar Port: India’s Key To Bypassing Pak, Strengthening Central Asia Ties

NEW DELHI- India’s Connect Central Asia policy is gaining momentum, with a key focus on the Chabahar Port as a gateway for trade and diplomatic influence. This strategic push comes at a time of shifting international dynamics, including a more cautious approach from Beijing towards its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

On September 7, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Ali Akbar Ahmadian. Their talks reportedly centered on expanding cooperation and the regional situation, with the Chabahar Port project being a key topic.

India is committed to developing the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar, which is strategically located on Iran’s Gulf of Oman. 

The port is a vital component of India’s efforts to bypass land routes controlled by Pakistan, offering direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the port saw a 43% increase in vessel traffic and a 34% rise in container traffic, indicating its growing importance.

New Delhi’s push comes as China faces challenges with its BRI projects, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Beijing has become more restrained due to concerns over debt sustainability and security threats to its personnel in Pakistan. This has reduced Islamabad’s leverage in demanding concessions related to Chabahar.

With China’s investment in BRI becoming more cautious and Washington’s trade tariffs causing a global realignment, India is eyeing the region as a possibility. (IANS)