"Chabahar Sanctions as Penalty: Brahma Chellaney Warns Trump's Decision Harms India, Helps China"
In a move that could potentially strain US-India ties, the Trump administration has revoked the sanctions exemption for Iran's Chabahar Port. This port, located in southeastern Iran, has long been a linchpin of New Delhi's strategy to expand trade and influence in Central Asia while limiting reliance on routes through Pakistan.
Operated by India, the Chabahar Port provides India with a vital trade gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. It bypasses Pakistan, making it a counterweight to Pakistan's Gwadar Port, a flagship Chinese Belt and Road Initiative project.
The revoked exemption, which was granted in 2018, was intended to allow Indian state-run firms to continue their operations at the port without facing US secondary sanctions. However, with the expiration on September 29, these firms now face the risk of such sanctions.
The revocation could undermine New Delhi's strategic interests, as it strengthens China's energy position at India's expense. With the revocation, China becomes the near-exclusive buyer of Iran's cut-rate crude, a move that forces India to sacrifice its own energy security.
Chellaney, a prominent strategic analyst, has stated that Trump is punishing India for building a counterweight to China's influence with the revocation of the exemption. This view is not without merit, considering that Washington's pressure has consistently left India worse off while benefiting Beijing.
The revocation marks a significant setback for India's regional connectivity plans, particularly the Chabahar Port project. The criticism of the reinstatement of sanctions against the port of Chabahar in Iran has been expressed by China and Russia, who publicly declared these measures illegal and stated they would not comply with them.
As India seeks to balance relations with both Washington and Tehran in a region marked by growing Chinese assertiveness, the revocation of the exemption for the Chabahar Port is a blow to its strategic and economic interests. The future of this crucial port project remains uncertain, as India navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.
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