India, Iran, and Afghanistan have signed a trilateral agreement aimed at establishing better coordination for the joint development of the Chabahar port in Iran. The agreement, signed in Tehran, seeks to leverage the strategic location of the port to improve connectivity between the three countries and tap into the economic potential of the region.
The Chabahar port, located on the southeastern coast of Iran, is considered a gateway to Central Asia and beyond. It provides a direct link to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, which has been off-limits to India due to regional tensions. The port is crucial for India`s efforts to establish a trade and transit corridor to Afghanistan and Central Asia and reduce its dependence on Pakistan.
Under the trilateral agreement, India will invest $500 million to develop the Chabahar port and related infrastructure, including roads and rail links, to connect it to Afghanistan. The port is expected to become operational by the end of 2021 and is likely to boost regional trade and economic growth.
The trilateral agreement also provides for the establishment of a transportation and transit corridor between India, Iran, and Afghanistan, which will enable the movement of goods and passengers among the three countries. This will not only enhance connectivity but also improve regional stability and security by reducing dependence on Pakistan`s ports.
The agreement is a significant step forward in India`s efforts to expand its influence in the region and counter China`s growing presence in the Indian Ocean. It also marks a departure from India`s traditional policy of non-alignment and neutrality and signals a willingness to engage more actively in regional geopolitics.
However, the trilateral agreement faces several challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism in the region. India will need to work closely with Iran and Afghanistan to ensure the security of the port and the transportation corridor. It will also need to manage its relations with Pakistan, which is likely to view the development of the Chabahar port with suspicion.
In conclusion, the India-Iran-Afghanistan trilateral agreement is a significant development in the region and offers significant economic and strategic benefits to all three countries. India`s investment in the Chabahar port and its commitment to the region`s development is a sign of its growing presence in the Indian Ocean and its willingness to engage more proactively in regional geopolitics. However, the success of the trilateral agreement will depend on the ability of India, Iran, and Afghanistan to overcome the challenges and implement the agreement effectively.
