Editor's Note:
The writer, Mr. I. Hussain Janjua is a senior media professional and analyst having experience of research broadcast journalism in different organisations. He is a non-resident fellow of Chengdu Institute of World Affairs (CIWA). (Email: ihussainjanjua@yahoo.com; twitter: @ihussainjanjua)
Iranian Chabahar Port has strategic significance for India having geo-political considerations besides being a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The two countries had entered into a contract in 2016 to develop the port, considered a milestone to boost economic growth in the region.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India, Iran and Afghanistan committed around US $21bn to develop Chabahar-Hajigak Corridor clearly aimed at building capacities and institutions in this region for strategic and commercial benefits.
However, India has been uneasy amid the growing closeness between Iran and China over the proposed $400 billion investment deal that could pave the way for China’s investment in Iranian ports, including the strategic Chabahar Port in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province.
Located just 1400 kilometers away from its commercial capital Mumbai, in Chabahar India has high stakes in this most important gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia as through Chabahar India has been able to strengthen its access to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan for its continued activities there.
Strategic experts believe India cannot even think of doing away with Chabahar. They say India during the course of events had got double-minded which led to delay in the project but now it has realized and is trying not to lose the project in view of China’s increasing influence in the area.
They say if Iran goes with China, for India route to Afghanistan and Central Asia would be cut off and it would land in a difficult situation, adding both the countries need each other as New Delhi is big importer of Iranian oil. Despite the fact the two countries have differences over some issues but in greater Iranian interests India becomes more important.
The recent India, Iran and Uzbekistan trilateral working group meeting primarily focused the use of Chabahar port for trade, transportation and regional connectivity among the three countries. The Indian External Affairs Ministry communique says that the three countries discussed the usage of the port and appreciated its role with respect to humanitarian assistance during Covid-19 while Indian proposal to observe Chabahar day in 2021 was also won outright approval.
It will also be a gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor which is a combination of road, rail, and sea routes connecting Russia, Europe, Central Asia, Iran, and India. It has prompted India to woo a number of countries to join the project as Uzbekistan is also interested in Chabahar Port providing access to Indian Oceanbesides approaching Russia and Central Asia.
Already Chabahar has proved beneficial for the promotion of trade and once the port becomes fully operative it would also become easier for India to import substantial amount of goods while there would be huge cut in expenses on oil imports.
Importantly, India’s renewed interest in the project is also due to its optimism that change of command in the US with Joe Biden taking over the job, sanctions on Iran would be relaxed and it will get more space for its activities as presently it is only allowed to send shipments to Afghanistan through Iran, not the Central Asian countries.
If the sanctions on Iran are eased, especially when India is allowed to import more oil from Iran the expenses for India would be drastically reduced as the statistics suggest that in 11 months completed in February this year Chabahar Port has witnessed 190 times increase in exports.
Moreover, with China's presence in the Arabian Sea, India is uncomfortable along with the US and would like to challenge Beijing’s presence in the area at Gwadar Port in Pakistan. The Chinese presence in Gwadar could also be point of concern for India from strategic point of view as well, therefore, Chabahar can be immensely beneficial of India.
On the other hand, the basic idea behind China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is all encompassing progress for the greater good of all human beings. Other nations, particularly India need not be afraid of the Chinese initiative rather join hands for universal well-being.
India also needs to reconsider its policies and move forward for concrete CBMs with neighboring countries and do not play in the hands of the US as this cooperation would benefit around 50 percent of the world population.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)