India is intensifying its Connect Central Asia policy with a renewed emphasis on the strategic Chabahar Port in Iran, amid shifting global trade and diplomatic alignments. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, on the phone yesterday to discuss regional developments and cooperation, including the Chabahar project.
The Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar, located on the Gulf of Oman, is seen as a crucial trade hub providing India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran in May 2024 to equip and operate cargo and container terminals at the port.
According to the Shipping Ministry, 400 crore rupees have been allocated for Chabahar since FY 2016-17, with 201.51 crore rupees spent so far. The port recorded a 43 per cent rise in vessel traffic and a 34 per cent increase in container traffic in 2023-24.
Analysts say Chabahar’s importance has grown as China scales back Belt and Road Initiative investments, including elements of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, due to debt and security concerns. That shift could limit Pakistan’s leverage in transit talks involving Iran and India.
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