India on track to make Chabahar preferred port of call: Shipping Secretary

In an effort to shift its focus away from Bandar Abbas, which is close to the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, India is moving forward with plans to make Chabahar, which is situated in Iran’s strategically important southeast, its primary port of call, according to ports, shipping, and waterways secretary T.K. Ramachandran.

India has accelerated its proposal to build rail and road infrastructure at Chabahar port in response to the ongoing tension in West Asia, which has been characterized by the Iran-Israel dispute and US bombings. This will lessen reliance on Bandar Abbas and make it the primary port of call for the transportation of all Indian products bound for Afghanistan and Central Asian nations.

In addition to giving India a different route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, Chabahar avoids Pakistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This lessens India’s dependency on Pakistan and may increase its geopolitical clout in the area by providing it with more economic and connectivity choices. “Chabahar Port has been steadily receiving more containers and cargo at its terminal, and work is still being done to improve and extend its capabilities. The port will soon be connected to Iran’s key road and rail systems, making it the ideal port for shipping from India to Iran, Afghanistan, and other Central Asian countries, according to Ramachandran.