Iran’s Chabahar overture

Iran and Pakistan have had an overall cordial trade relationship. Iran’s invitation to Pakistan to help develop its Chabahar seaport project brings good tidings and may be the most pivotal yet in terms of further strengthening this relationship. Although the partnership can work to promote friendly ties between the two countries, there are heavy considerations for Pakistan to make before it agrees to be a part of the Chabahar project. The considerations go beyond economic gain because of the triad of relations between Pakistan and Iran, Iran and India, and India and Pakistan. As India recently signed a lease to manage operations at the port, the decision to join hands with Iran for the development of the project is not a straightforward one. These caveats must be deliberated as the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor approaches completion, with expansions already being explored such as between Gwadar and Chabahar.

Opportunities for clashes will arise given the recent history of an unstable relationship between Pakistan and India. There is civil strife in Kashmir which has caused major distrust between both sides. Iran’s handing of the port’s operational control to India was disappointing for Pakistan and taking part in Chabahar may engender problems moving forward. Pakistan must be cognisant that Iran’s offering may be a political move to placate matters resulting from its decision to work with India. Future rows between India and Pakistan will place Iran in a mediatory role.

Iran is seeking to join hands with Pakistan at an opportune time when overall, Pakistan’s economy is moving ahead with positive momentum. At this time, it may be wise to focus unilaterally on the CPEC project. Although, a congenial relationship between both countries is imperative for regional stability, only after CPEC is managed well should Pakistan participate in the Chabahar project as it could provide Pakistan a regional ‘leg-up’ in economic planning.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2018.

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