The Role of Chabahar Port in Expanding Cooperation among Afghanistan, Iran, and India

Abstract

As a landlocked country, Afghanistan is highly dependent on the ports of neighboring countries—particularly Iran and Pakistan—for access to global markets. Political tensions and hostilities between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India have frequently led to the closure of trade routes, restricting Afghanistan’s commercial access and India’s direct connection to Afghanistan. In this context, Iran’s Chabahar Port emerges as a strategic alternative, playing a significant role in facilitating trade relations among the three nations. The main research question in this study is: What role does Chabahar Port play in expanding economic and trade interactions among Afghanistan, Iran, and India? The hypothesis suggests that Chabahar, as a strategic and secure port, opens a new pathway for Afghanistan's economy and provides a platform for broader economic cooperation among the three countries. This research employs a descriptive-analytical method, drawing on available data. Findings indicate that the Chabahar Port agreement has strengthened Iran-India collaboration in Afghanistan and offered a more reliable and cost-effective route for Afghan trade. Moreover, Chabahar holds significant political and economic value in the regional landscape, and its development paves the way for increased foreign investment—especially by Iran and India—in Afghanistan’s transportation infrastructure.