Amidst US Sanctions, India Makes Its Presence Felt: Holds Talks With Iran To Operationalise Chabahar Port

As speculations of US sanctions grow, India has joined hands with Iran to operationalise a berth at the Chabahar port. A delegation from Iran spent the last week in Delhi to multiply the efforts that are being invested right now. The sanctions are said to be enforced as early as next month, which will slow down any ongoing progress between the two countries.

The delay has been partially credited to the fear of sanctions. Banking channels have been identified and a payment mechanism has been established between India and Iran, Economic Times reported. Chabahar port is strategically very important to India and will establish an advantage over neighbouring countries like Pakistan.

India’s access to Afghanistan will be established with the opening of Chabahar as it will allow a land-sea route and reduce the dependency on Pakistan for access to land route through the country. Hence, India is investing USD 500 million to build the port. It was first conceptualised when Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was in power. Since then, several roadblocks have stopped or stalled the progress at various intervals.