India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Chabahar Port is crucial for expanding regional connectivity for the country. 

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the ministry, said in a press conference that Chabahar Port, in addition to providing aid to the people of Afghanistan, will also be used for developing trade with Central Asian countries.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated: “Chabahar, as I told you, this is an important project for us to provide connectivity in the area, to provide humanitarian assistance. Through this port we have for several years provided humanitarian assistance, and this particular project is going to help in connectivity, and connectivity thereafter leads to several benefits to countries in the region.”

This comes two weeks after Indian officials signed a ten-year development contract for Chabahar Port with Iran.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy also said the development of Chabahar Port is beneficial for the country’s economy, stating that this will expand economic interactions with regional countries.

Abdul Latif Nazari, the Deputy Minister of Economy, said: “Our policy is to expand economic and trade exchanges with the region. Chabahar Port is one of the ports that can play a role in developing and increasing economic interactions between Afghanistan and the region.”

However, some economic experts consider the expansion of Chabahar Port as an alternative route beneficial for Afghanistan and the countries trading with it.

Mohammad Nabi Afghan, an economic expert, said: “The value of Chabahar Port for Afghanistan is significant, and it can be a good alternative to Karachi Port, creating good opportunities.”

According to reports, to equip and develop Chabahar Port, India will invest $120 million in providing strategic port equipment and over $250 million in Chabahar’s transport infrastructure.