Chahbahar Port: The Divergence of Interests Analysis

Abstract

South Asia's infrastructure development is driven by competition for regional domination and fears of strategic encirclement. India has aspired to project its maritime power all over the Indian Ocean since the beginning of the century. The "net security provider" concept may be most appropriate in South Asia and its littorals, but West Asia will test India's conciliatory and maritime capabilities in the years ahead. Iran's desire to reclaim its former prominence in regional and international politics underpins its Asia policy of seeking new markets and foreign investment for its energy sector. Iran has historically been pragmatic with India. This paper analyses India and Iran's policies in the context of Chahbahar port. Regarding the Chahabahar port, Iran and India have conflicting interests. Iran is not interested in giving up its balanced foreign policy by selecting either side, despite India's desire to utilise the port as a check on the CPEC.