The External Minister of India recently reassured the Parliament that India’s ongoing Chabahar port project has remained unaffected by US sanctions imposed on Iran. The port continues to function well, thanks to a distinct exemption provided by the US specifically for the strategic venture.
About the Chabahar Port
The Chabahar port is located in Sistan province of Iran, perched conveniently on the coast of the Indian Ocean. This positioning allows it to be viewed as a golden gateway to trade opportunities not just for India, but also for Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asian countries. Easy access from India’s western coast enhances the port’s significance, especially as it emerges as a viable alternative to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port which has seen ample investment from China.
Why is the Chabahar Port important to India?
Several reasons can be attributed to the importance of the Chabahar port for India. Firstly, the port serves as an alternate supply route, reducing the dependence on Pakistan for trade.
Secondly, its strategic location on the Gulf of Oman, just 72 kilometers away from Pakistan’s Gwadar port developed by China, is undeniable. China’s aggressive expansion of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) under the One Belt One Road (OBOR) project makes this proximity invaluable.
Thirdly, the Chabahar port is crucial in terms of connectivity. It is envisioned that in the future, this port and the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) would complement each other, enhancing India’s connectivity with Russia and Eurasia. Additionally, it provides India with direct access to Afghanistan and other Central Asian Republics.
The Exception to US Sanctions
The US has recognized the strategic value of the Chabahar port project, making an exception in its application of sanctions on Iran. This decision stems from several considerations.
For one, Afghanistan, being a landlocked country, relies heavily on Pakistan for trade. The majority of its trade activities go through Pakistani ports. Pakistan has consistently denied India the use of its ports for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. The development of the Chabahar port thus provides Afghanistan with a strategic alternative, helping to break its land-locked constraints.
Furthermore, should the tensions between America and Iran ease in the future, the Chabahar port would enable America to bypass Pakistan altogether. As it stands, Pakistan controls all the administrative routes by which Afghanistan can be supplied. The U.S has often been hesitant to act against terrorists, specifically Afghan Talibans, due to this. The Chabahar port could give the US an alternative route, enabling them to take more effective action against such terrorist threats.
