Context:
Chabahar Port received a special mention in Donald Trump’s memo
Chabahar port:
- Located in Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
- Consists of 2 separate ports: Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
- Iran’s only oceanic port providing direct access to the Indian Ocean.
- Situated west of Pakistan’s Gwadar port.
- Offers an alternative trade route that bypasses Pakistan, for connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- Part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to improve transportation and trade connectivity between India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe
India’s Major Overseas Port Investments:
- Chabahar Port – Iran
- Haifa Port – Israel
- Enhances Mediterranean connectivity.
- Mongla & Chittagong Ports – Bangladesh
- Improves Northeast connectivity, reducing transport costs.
- Duqm Port – Oman
- Strengthens India’s Gulf presence and energy security.
- Sittwe Port – Myanmar
- Part of the Kaladan project; boosting connectivity to Northeast India while reducing dependence on the Siliguri Corridor.
- Sabang Port – Indonesia – near the Malacca Strait.
- Trincomalee & Kankesanthurai Ports – Sri Lanka
Source: TH
Previous Year Question (PYQ)
What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
(b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
(c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.
Answer: (c)