How may Iran figure in Trump-Modi talks at a time when US President Donald Trump has hinted at imposing fresh economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic for its nuclear programme?
Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi ask Trump to waive sanctions for constructing and investing in Chabahar Port, being built in the Gulf of Oman off the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran?
PM Modi will meet Donald Trump in the White House to further improve India-US relations days after he signed a memorandum to rescind waivers with no exceptions and concessions.
Will Narendra Modi Raise Chabahar Port Issue?
The US President directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “modify or rescind sanctions waivers, particularly those that provide Iran any degree of economic or financial relief, including those related to Iran’s Chabahar port project”.
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Trump also directed the US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, to “work with key allies to complete the snapback of international sanctions and restrictions on Iran”.
Geostrategic Significance Of Chabahar Port
Chabahar is the only oceanic port in Iran and it is situated on the southeastern tip off the Gulf of Oman. Consisting of two parts- Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, each with five berths, Chabahar has geopolitical significance.
New Delhi is interested in developing and managing Shahid Beheshti, where it has already invested millions of dollars.
Besides having military significance, Chabahar is an important port for international trade also as it is a part of the International North-South Trade Corridor (INSTC).
BRI Vs INSTC
A complex and 7,200-km long network of ship, rail, and road routes can be used for transporting goods between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe as well as engaging in naval welfare as and when requied.
It may be used to counter the influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
US Fip-Flop On Chabahar Port
The US has changed its stance on the Chabahar Port, according to its geopolitical needs. Joe Biden administration backed it when
India and Iran signed the agreement for the construction of Chabahar in 2016.
Washington found the all-weather port useful, thinking that it may help Afghanistan, where a US-backed dispensation was in power.
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However, US’ stand changed after it withdrew its troops from the country and the Taliban stormed into power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Why Is Chabahar Port Important For India?
The strategic significance of the Chabahar Port can be gauged by the fact that it is situated about 120 kilometres from Gwadar, situated in Balochistan province of Pakistan.
In an attempt to make its military presence important in the Indian Ocea, China took Gwadar and invested $62 billion in it and other BRI projects. On the other hand, India has invested $500 million in Chabahar.
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PM Modi will have to raise this issue with Trump and convince him that if New Delhi is not allowed to invest in the port project, China is most likely to pour as much money as Tehran requires.
Chapahar Port has the potential to counter Pakistan as well as China, making it significant for both India and the US.
