Amidst the tension with Pakistan, the Taliban government of Afghanistan and India have talked about many such important issues, knowing about which Xi Jinping and Shahbaz Sharif will sweat. On Wednesday (January 8, 2025), India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaki held a high-level meeting in Dubai. In this meeting, there was also discussion about increasing trade through Chabahar Port. This port can play an important role in strengthening the trade relations between India and Afghanistan, which is sure to increase the tension between China and Pakistan.
This high level meeting has taken place at a time when there is a war-like situation between Pakistan and Taliban. This is the first high-level meeting of the Taliban with India after coming to power in Afghanistan in 2021. After the meeting, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote in a post on social media platform X, ‘Both sides discussed humanitarian assistance being provided to Afghanistan, bilateral issues and security situation. India reiterated its commitment to continue providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Afghan people. It was agreed to promote trade and commerce including Chabahar port. India will also increase its support in the health sector and rehabilitation of refugees in the country. India has so far sent 25 lakh tonnes of wheat and 2 thousand tonnes of pulses to Afghanistan through Chabahar Port.
In the meeting held between the two sides, the issue of Chabahar port is being considered the most important because the whole world is eyeing it. Early last year, India had signed a 10-year agreement with Iran for the development and operation of Chabahar Port. India also helped in building Chabahar Port. This agreement was signed between India Ports Global Limited and Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran. Under this, India will operate Shahid Behesti Port located in Chabahar. Chabahar port has two ports – Shahid Behesti and Shahid Kalantari.
The purpose of this agreement is to prepare an alternative route for landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. This port falls in Sistan-Baluchistan province on the southern coast of Iran. It is at a distance of one thousand from Kandla Port of Gujarat and 15 kilometers from Mumbai. Where Chabahar Port is located, it also borders Pakistan. Chabahar Port, connecting India, Iran and Afghanistan, is seen as a challenge to Gwadar Port, which China and Pakistan are jointly developing. China is making huge investments in Gwadar Port. Besides, Chabahar Port can prove helpful for India in challenging China’s presence in the Arabian Sea.
Chabahar Port will also be connected to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Under this corridor, a 7,200 km long network of ship, rail and road is to be created for freight transportation between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. India will get big benefits from Chabahar Port and INSTC. In this way, it will be possible to cross Pakistan and directly reach Iran and Afghanistan. Also, connectivity for trade with the Middle East and Europe will increase. Apart from this, it will also help in monitoring China’s presence and activities in the Arabian Sea and opposing interference.
