26/12/2018 - International Relations | Mainstorming

IAS Parliament 6 years

KEY POINTS

Chabahar port Strengthening Look West Policy

· Chabahar port opens up a permanent alternative route for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, given the hurdles in the direct route through Pakistan. It is a milestone in India’s regional connectivity and trade game plan.

· It facilitates India’s role in Afghanistan’s development through infrastructure and education projects. And it gives India’s bilateral ties with Iran, a major oil supplier and potential trade market for India, a big fillip.

· The decision by India, Afghanistan and Iran to hold an international event to promote Chabahar and to study ways to make the route more attractive and decrease logistic costs is timely.

· India’s access to the markets of Europe and Central Asia will pave the way for more exports from India.

· A big boost to Project Mausam which help enhance the cultural ties with West Asian countries.

· It will emphasise India’s greater role in providing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Challenges in operationalizing chabahar port

· The Chabahar port has received a waiver from the U.S. sanctions on Iran for the moment, but these concessions could be withdrawn any time, given the constant upheaval in the administration.

· The possibility of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, after the pullout from Syria, will add to security concerns for Afghanistan and impact on the Chabahar route as well.

· Meanwhile, the reconciliation process with the Afghan Terrorists is likely to see the regional powers, the U.S. and Russia engaging Pakistan more. This could give Islamabad space to play spoiler in Chabahar, which is seen as a rival warm water port to Pakistan’s Gwadar.

· Administrative delays, high turnaround time of ships, lack of timely release of funds are expected to increase the costs of project.

Given all the competing interests that criss-cross over Chabahar, India will require sustained and nuanced diplomacy to stay ahead in constructing the Chabahar port.