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Chabahar Port: Location, Agreement, Significance

Chabahar Port is located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman. India has signed a 10-year agreement with Iran to operate and develop the strategically important Chabahar Port
authorImageDeeksha Dixit7 Nov, 2024
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Chabahar Port

Chabahar Port , developed and jointly operated by India and Iran, is a strategically located seaport along the Gulf of Oman in southeastern Iran. It serves as a critical gateway, offering direct maritime access to landlocked Central Asian countries and strengthening trade ties between India, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Chabahar port is positioned away from the congested Strait of Hormuz and provides India with a reliable, independent trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the strategic significance of Chabahar Port is essential. Keep reading to learn about the background, importance, agreements, and recent developments surrounding Chabahar Port!

Chabahar Port

India and Iran have signed a strategic agreement for 10 years to operate the ‘Chabahar Port’. Chabahar is a warm-water port and the only oceanic port in Iran , located on the southeastern coast, along the Gulf of Oman. Chabahar Port provides a crucial maritime link between the Indian Ocean and Central Asia, granting India a strategic advantage. Chabahar Port is a deep-sea port, equipped to handle large cargo ships, making it an ideal transit point for goods traveling to landlocked countries like Afghanistan and even further into Central Asia. Its development has strengthened India-Iran bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security. Here is the Chabahar port map showing its strategic location:

Facts About Chabahar Port

The Chabahar Port project has been a significant foreign policy initiative for India. Its geopolitical advantages and role in economic connectivity make it a crucial topic for the UPSC exam. Here are some key facts about Chabahar Port:
  • Location: Chabahar Port is located in Iran on the Gulf of Oman, southeastern coast.
  • Significance: Developed with Indian aid, it serves as Iran’s first deepwater port, enhancing trade routes to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and beyond.
  • Development Partners : India has played a central role in developing and managing the port, in collaboration with Iran. A trilateral agreement with Afghanistan was signed in 2016 to use Chabahar as a transit hub for Afghan trade.
  • Facilities: Chabahar includes two main ports—Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti—with modern cargo handling infrastructure.
  • Chabahar Port Operated by: I ndia Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL) is responsible for operating a section of the port, specifically the Shahid Beheshti terminal.
  • Strategic Advantage: It provides an alternative route to bypass Pakistan, giving India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
The Chabahar Port is crucial for strengthening regional connectivity and counterbalancing China's growing influence through projects like the Gwadar Port in Pakistan.

Chabahar Port Agreement

The Chabahar Port Agreement between India and Iran was initiated in 2003 , with expanded cooperation. Later a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) was signed to develop the port in 2015 , followed by a trilateral agreement in 2016 to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor between India, Iran, and Afghanistan. India has committed substantial investments to develop and operate the Shahid Beheshti Port, with an allocated budget of Rs. 400 Cr for infrastructure development from FY 2016-17 to FY 2023-24. In 2024, a long-term pact was signed between India Ports Global Ltd. & Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran , under which India will operate the Shahid Beheshti Port for 10 years.

International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a strategic 7,200-kilometer multi-modal network connecting India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. Established to streamline trade routes, the INSTC combines sea, rail, and road transportation to provide a faster, cost-effective alternative to traditional trade routes like the Suez Canal. INSTC project was launched on 12th September 2000 to significantly reduce both transit time and shipping costs, making it an attractive route for moving goods between South Asia and Northern Europe. Chabahar Port plays a crucial role as a gateway to the INSTC, facilitating the flow of goods from India to Central Asia and Europe via Iran.

Importance of Chabahar Port for India

Chabahar Port holds immense strategic, economic, and geopolitical importance for India. Here’s why this port is a crucial project:
  • Strategic Bypass: Chabahar offers India a way to trade with Afghanistan without needing to go through Pakistan, which has often blocked access to Indian goods.
  • Gateway to Central Asia: The port opens new trade routes for India to enter the Central Asian market, facilitating economic partnerships with landlocked countries rich in natural resources like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
  • Crucial Foothold in the Sea: With close proximity to Gwadar, a port in Pakistan developed by China, Chabahar Port gives India a strategic advantage in the Arabian Sea.
  • Countering China’s Influence: China’s involvement in Gwadar has strategic implications, and Chabahar provides India with a counterbalance.
  • Energy Access: With Iran’s vast energy reserves, Chabahar offers India an alternative source of energy and a means to reduce its reliance on oil from other countries.
Also for Iran, Chabahar helps mitigate the impact of Western sanctions by offering an alternative route for trade and bypassing restrictions. Similarly, the port reduces Afghanistan’s reliance on Pakistan for access to the Indian Ocean, enhancing its economic independence. In conclusion, Chabahar Port is a critical component of India’s geopolitical strategy. It not only strengthens India’s economic ties with Central Asia and Afghanistan but also acts as a strategic counterweight to China’s growing presence in the region. For more guidance on such topics and strategies to ace the UPSC exam, explore PW's UPSC courses designed to support your dream of becoming a civil servant!
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Chabahar Port FAQs

Chabahar port in which country?

Chabahar Port is located in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman.

What is the purpose of the Chabahar Port agreement?

The agreement enables India to develop and use Chabahar as a transit point for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Why is the Chabahar Port important for India?

It provides India with an alternative route for trade with Central Asia and counters China’s influence at Gwadar Port in Pakistan.

Who operates Chabahar Port?

Iran primarily operates Chabahar Port, though India has operational control over part of the Shahid Beheshti terminal as per agreements.

How many countries are associated with Chabahar port?

Three countries—India, Iran, and Afghanistan—are primarily associated with Chabahar Port.

Chabahar port kahan hai?

Chabahar Port Iran ke Southeastern coast par, Gulf of Oman ke kinare sthit hai.
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