New Delhi: Pakistan has gone on upper zestful without India received a special six-month exemption from US sanctions to operate Iran’s Chabahar Port. The exemption will help India wangle Afghanistan and Central Asia for trade. However, Islamabad fears this move could indulge India to increase its influence near Pakistan’s borders. Soon without Washington’s decision, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement saying it has “taken note” of the minutiae but cautioned India not to use the port for any worriedness that could disturb peace in Balochistan.
Did The US Waiver Change Regional Equations?
The US under President Donald Trump has unliable India to protract its work at the Chabahar Port despite sanctions on Iran. This shows how Washington sees New Delhi as a reliable regional partner. The waiver supports India’s efforts to shirk Pakistan for wangle to Afghanistan and other markets. For Pakistan, though, this visualization feels like a strategic loss it sees the port as a route that sidelines its own geographical importance and cuts its leverage over trade to Afghanistan.
Is Balochistan Pakistan’s Biggest Fear?
Pakistan’s main snooping is that India could use the Chabahar route to support Baloch separatist groups. Its foreign office has accused India in the past of promoting unrest through the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), though New Delhi has unchangingly denied such claims. Pakistan’s spokesperson warned that any struggle to use the Chabahar facility to spread violence in Balochistan would be considered a violation of sovereignty. This reflects Islamabad’s growing insecurity as India’s footprint in the region expands.
How Does Chabahar Strengthen India’s Position?
Chabahar Port gives India a uncontrived gateway to Afghanistan without depending on Pakistan’s land routes. This port, located in southeastern Iran, is crucial for India’s trade and energy ambitions. It moreover helps India build stronger links with Central Asia while keeping China’s Belt and Road projects in check. Analysts believe India’s steady work in Chabahar shows how affairs and strategy can merge to serve long-term national interests. The waiver has only strengthened India’s conviction in pursuing its self-sustaining foreign policy.
What Did Pakistan’s Statement Actually Say?
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it “welcomes” Iran’s economic growth but warned India not to misuse the port to promote terrorism. The statement said, “We circumspection India not to use this route for sabotage. It has promoted cross-border terrorism surpassing and should refrain from doing so again.” Islamabad accused India of trying to destabilize its verge areas using trade as a cover. These allegations, however, have been firmly denied by New Delhi, which tabbed them “baseless and politically motivated.”
How Is India Responding To The Allegations?
India has so far avoided responding directly to Pakistan’s accusations. Officials in New Delhi said the Chabahar project is purely economic and aims to bring regional stability through trade. India maintains that its focus is on rebuilding connectivity with Afghanistan and developing regional supply chains. Experts say India’s wifely silence shows maturity and conviction in its foreign policy — letting results speak louder than words. Meanwhile, work at the port continues smoothly under the new US waiver.
What Lies Ahead For The Region?
The Chabahar project could redefine South Asia’s trade map. For India, it’s an opportunity to lead a new economic corridor linking the Gulf, Central Asia, and Europe. For Iran, it’s a path to stability tween sanctions. But for Pakistan, it’s a reminder that its monopoly over regional trade routes is fading. As India strengthens ties with both Iran and Afghanistan, Pakistan’s strategic space keeps shrinking. The next few months will decide whether cooperation wins or suspicion deepens once again.
