Chabahar Port

15 Apr Chabahar Port

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Chabahar Port”. The topic “Chabahar Port” has relevance in the “Internation Relations” section for the UPSC CSE exam.

Chabahar Port

For Prelims:
Location of Chabahar Port?

For Mains:
GS 3: Economy
What is the significance of the Chabahar Port?
What are the challenges in the functioning of Chabahar Port?
What is the way forward?

Why in the news?

Recently the Joint Working Group Meeting on the Chabahar port was held in Mumbai.

About Chabahar Port

• Chabahar Port is located in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran, on the southeastern coast of the country, near the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• It is the only deep-sea port in Iran with direct ocean access.

What is the significance of the Chabahar Port for India?

The significance of Chabahar Port for India lies in the following ways:

1. To provide India with an alternate route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
2. This port also provides access to the Arabian Sea, which can help India to enhance its strategic presence in the region.
3. India has invested heavily in the development of Chabahar Port, which is considered a key component of India’s connectivity plans in the region.
4. This port is also a leverage point for India to compete with China which is also accessing the Arabian Sea through its Gwadar port.
5. With the opening of access to the Central Asian countries, India aims to gain a new market for its goods. This will enhance exports and the economy as a whole.
6. The port also has the possibility to improve its relations with the Central Asian countries.

What are the challenges in the functioning of Chabahar Port?

• Iran and US tussle: One of the major challenges in the functioning of Chabahar Port is the US sanctions on Iran, which have limited the participation of international companies in the port’s development. 

• Delays in the completion of the projects: The sanctions on Iran have resulted in delays in the completion of various projects at the port. In addition, the security situation in the region is also a concern, with terrorist activities and drug trafficking being major issues.

• Connectivity: The port’s connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia is still not well established. The lack of proper road and rail connectivity to the hinterland affects the port’s potential to become a major transit hub.

• Competition: The port faces stiff competition from other ports in the region, such as Gwadar in Pakistan and Bandar Abbas in Iran. These ports have also been developed with the support of major powers, and they offer similar benefits to investors.

• Security: The security situation in the region is also a concern, with terrorist activities and drug trafficking being major issues. This can negatively impact the smooth functioning of the port and deter investors.

What is the way forward?

The way forward for the Chabahar Port would be to:

1. Attract more investments and participation from international companies, which would help in its further development. 
2. The resolution of issues related to the US sanctions on Iran would also be crucial.
3. Improved security measures and stronger coordination among the stakeholders involved in the development and management of the port would also be necessary for its successful functioning.

Sources:

https://www.siasat.com/india-hosts-first-joint-working-group-meeting-on-chabahar-port-2568802/

Mohit Pratap Singh