Why is a port thousands of kilometers away so crucial for India? Why was this port considered a new route for India’s trade and strategic power? And why has the US now dealt a blow on this very route, jeopardizing India’s efforts?
Let’s understand the biggest game of geopolitics that has, for now, put a halt to India’s efforts regarding the Chabahar Port.
### Chabahar Port: India’s Strategic Game Changer
Iran’s Chabahar Port is not just a port; it was a strategic game changer for India. This port is located on the southeastern coast of Iran and is very close to India’s western coast. India has invested heavily in developing this port, with the primary goal of bypassing Pakistan and reaching Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. India planned to connect this port to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which would open a trade route to Russia and Europe.
However, the US has now imposed strict sanctions on Iran, putting the entire project at major risk. US sanctions mean that if any country or company trades with Iran, they could also face US sanctions. This US setback on the Chabahar Port is not just an economic move but a complex geopolitical gamble. Let’s understand the five impacts that reveal how deeply this setback has affected India.
### First Impact: The Dream of Bypassing Pakistan Shattered
For years, India had to rely on the route through Pakistan to send goods to Afghanistan, which was often closed. The Chabahar Port gave India an alternative, independent, and secure route. Foreign affairs experts say, “Chabahar was a symbol of India’s ‘strategic autonomy.’ It was a lifeline for us that did not depend on the mercy of another country.” The US setback appears to be shattering this dream, and old geopolitical problems may arise again for India.
### Second Impact: Impact on Trade and INSTC
The Chabahar Port was a significant link in promoting exports under India’s ‘Make in India’ policy. The route through INSTC would have made India’s trade with Central Asia and Europe much shorter and cheaper. The US setback has cast doubt on the future of this entire corridor. This could cause a loss of thousands of crores to Indian trade and make it difficult to reach the world’s largest markets.
### Third Impact: The ‘Connection’ Between Afghanistan and India at Risk
India has used the Chabahar Port to send humanitarian aid and commercial goods to Afghanistan. This port is like a lifeline for Afghanistan, giving it access to the sea. The US move could weaken India’s strategic influence in Afghanistan. A senior diplomat, Rakesh Sood, recently said that Chabahar was India’s biggest weapon of soft power in Afghanistan. Blocking it is a setback not only for our trade but also for our influence in the region.
### Fourth Impact: China’s Gwadar Port Becomes the Uncrowned King in Pakistan
China has developed the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, which is only 100 kilometers from Chabahar. This is a significant part of China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative.’ The Chabahar Port was India’s biggest weapon to counter Gwadar. This US setback has given an unexpected advantage to Gwadar Port.
### Fifth Impact: Pressure on Foreign Policy and India’s Dilemma
This event is a significant test for India’s foreign policy. On the one hand, India has to keep its important strategic partner, the US, happy, and on the other hand, it also has to protect its own trade and strategic interests. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi recently said in a statement that the government’s foreign policy is failing. We are not able to save our important projects. However, the government claims that it is trying to resolve this issue at the diplomatic level.
So, the question now is: will India bow to this geopolitical pressure? Will the dream of the Chabahar Port remain unfulfilled forever? Or will India be able to find a diplomatic solution and protect its trade and strategic interests? It will be interesting to see how India’s foreign policy faces this challenge on the global stage.