India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement highlighting that Vikram Misri, the Deputy Foreign Minister, has emphasized upon the development and expansion of the Chabahar Port during his meeting with Majid Takht-Ravanchi, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, in New Delhi.
The goal is to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction, economic development, and enhanced regional trade relations, particularly with Afghanistan, it said.
Officials at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment under the Islamic Emirate told Salam Watandar that developing and standardizing infrastructure is a crucial step in transforming Afghanistan into a regional trade and transit hub.
Khan Jan Alokozai, a board member of the chamber, stated: “Afghanistan is fully equipped for trade; there is no corruption and security is stable. There are no legal or regulatory issues. Countries can confidently bring their goods into Afghanistan and transport them to Central Asia, India, and other nations. However, infrastructure, such as railways, is lacking, and although roads to the north and Kabul are operational, they do not meet international standards yet, especially considering the country’s post-war situation.”
Economic experts suggest that India, through the development of the Chabahar Port, aims to access markets in Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypass Pakistan, and increase its economic and political influence in the region.
Mohammad Nabi Afghan, an economic expert, says, “Through the Chabahar route, we can break free from regional economic monopolies imposed by certain countries. It will improve our economy, expand our trade relations, and bring us closer to the world. This is a great opportunity for Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate must address concerns from other countries and create active opportunities within Afghanistan.”
Economic experts, assert that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan can leverage regional opportunities and ongoing efforts to develop standardized infrastructure, making Afghanistan a key trade and transit corridor in the region.
Silab Samandar also notes, “Chabahar Port, with the help of Iran and India, has saved Afghanistan from economic isolation imposed by Pakistan. The ongoing economic talks between India and Iran to expand Afghanistan’s trade relations will benefit Afghanistan’s economy and trade. This further highlights the need for infrastructure development.”
Eight years ago, India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement for the development of the Chabahar Port and the expansion of trade relations. Located in southeastern Iran, Chabahar Port connects Afghanistan to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Gulf of Aden.
