New Delhi: Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has stated that the USA is attempting to build new military bases near Iran’s Chabahar port and Pakistan’s Gwadar port.
He says this is to control China and dominate the region’s trade and energy routes.
Velayati stated that the US is exerting pressure on Pakistan and India. He explained that Pakistani military officials are regularly visiting the US and meeting with officials there. Chabahar port is located in the Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran. It was exempted from sanctions in 2018 to facilitate trade and reconstruction projects for Afghanistan.
The importance of Chabahar for India
This port is crucial for India because it provides direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. India does not need Pakistan’s assistance for this. India operates the Beheshti terminal of this port and has invested over $120 million so far. India plans to increase the port’s capacity fivefold by 2026.
Chabahar Port is considered a strategic rival to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, which is operated by China. Therefore, Chabahar is important for India not only from a commercial but also from a strategic perspective. India can trade directly with Afghanistan and Central Asia through Chabahar and strengthen its strategic position in the region.
How did the Chabahar Project begin?
In 2018, India and Iran signed an agreement to develop the Chabahar Port. The US granted India exemptions from certain sanctions for this project. India has invested Rs 3,000 crore in this port. India began negotiations with Iran for the Chabahar Project in 2003 during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. An agreement was reached between India, Iran, and Afghanistan in 2016. In this, India announced a loan of Rs 1,250 crore for the development of the port.
10-Year agreement for port management
India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran for the management of this port in 2024. This port is an important gateway for trade between India and Iran, Afghanistan, and countries in the Middle East. India is now making this port a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor, a project connecting Russia and Europe with the Middle East.