Why in the News?
The U.S. has ended the 2018 waiver that let India use Iran’s Chabahar Port for Afghanistan’s reconstruction, revoking it within 10 days.
About Chabahar Port:
- Location: Deep-water port in Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran, on the Gulf of Oman at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Unique Feature: The only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
- Distances: Kandla Port, Gujarat – 550 nautical miles, Mumbai – 786 nautical miles from Chabahar.
- Structure: Comprises Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari terminals.
- Connectivity Potential: Its proximity to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India and position on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) gives it the ability to become a major commercial hub.
- INSTC: A multi-modal route linking the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran, and onward to northern Europe via Russia.
India’s Engagements for Chabahar Port:
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Implications of US Sanctions for India:
- Economic Setback: Jeopardises India’s ₹200 crore investment and future projects.
- Connectivity Loss: Cuts India’s only direct maritime gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and INSTC.
- Strategic Impact: Weakens India’s counter to China’s Gwadar Port in Pakistan under CPEC.
- Diplomatic Strain: Risks tensions with Iran (strategic partner) and the United States (major trade partner).
- Operational Challenges: Sanctions may deter shippers, insurers, and suppliers, slowing port activity.
| [UPSC 2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
Options: (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase. (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened. (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia * (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India |
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