Implications of Chahbahar Port on Pakistan vis a vis Gawadar Port and CPEC
Authors
ASIA SAIF ALVI, NAILA MAQSOOD and RUQIA KALSOOM
Abstract
The Chahbahar port and Gawadar port have the potential to benefit Iran and Pakistan economically, strategically, and geo-politically. Chahbahar and Gawadar Ports are being taken as competitors in terms of interests particularly after Indian involvement and her „vested interests‟ in developing Chahbahar Port. Indian involvement in the development of Chahbahar port and also linking Chahbahar with Afghanistan by road has created some doubts and alarm for Pakistan. On the other hand, China and Pakistan are developing Gawadar port and China Pakistan Economic corridor. India Iran and Afghanistan have signed a trilateral agreement, which has allowed to India reach Afghanistan through Chahbahar port, and by bypassing Pakistan's land route, the Chabahar route to Afghanistan will allow Indian commodities to reach Kabul. Chahbahar has emerged as a competitor of Gawadar port. Troika of three countries on Chahbahar has given strong challenges to China Pakistan cooperation at Gawadar Port. Furthermore, India is countering Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, Central Asia, and Africa. Through the initiative of Chahbahar port, India is containing the influence of Pakistan and China in this region. This paper discusses the implications and challenges of Chahbahar port on Pakistan vis a vis Gawadar port and CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor). This paper also identifies policy recommendations to address the issue in Pakistan's best interests.
