Chabahar Port Strategy and Iran-China Pact / Akbar Shahnoue

Treaty Impact on Baloch People

The Iran-China 25-Year Treaty

The 25-year strategic cooperation agreement between Iran and China, signed in March 2021, involves an investment of $400 billion into Iran’s economy. This agreement includes various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and military cooperation, which strategically enhances China’s presence in the Middle East​. While China has not directly involved itself in the Chabahar Port project, its growing influence in Iran could impact the dynamics at Chabahar, potentially creating competition between Chinese and Indian interests in the region​​.

Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port

Chabahar Port, located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchistan province, is a critical maritime facility due to its strategic location on the Indian Ocean, offering direct access to international waters. This port serves as Iran’s only deep-sea port and plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade routes that bypass Pakistan, providing India with a strategic advantage in accessing Afghan and Central Asian markets​ .

For India, Chabahar is vital as it offers a direct transit route to Afghanistan, circumventing Pakistan. This port is integral to India’s broader geopolitical strategy to counter Chinese influence in the region, particularly in light of China’s significant investment in Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, which is only about 170 kilometers from Chabahar​ .

Implications for the Baloch Population

The development and increased geopolitical importance of Chabahar Port bring several consequences for the local Baloch population:

Economic Marginalization:
Despite the port’s development, the Baloch people have historically faced economic marginalization. Large infrastructure projects often fail to benefit the local population, who continue to suffer from poverty and lack of development​  ​

Displacement and Cultural Impact:
Large-scale development projects can lead to the displacement of local communities. There is a risk that the traditional way of life of the Baloch people could be disrupted, impacting their cultural heritage and social structure.

Security Concerns: Increased geopolitical interest in Chabahar Port could lead to heightened security measures in the region, potentially exacerbating the already tense relations between the Baloch population and the Iranian government. This might lead to further repression and surveillance of the Baloch people​​.

Environmental Issues: The development of the port and its associated infrastructure could also lead to environmental degradation, affecting local fisheries and agriculture, which are crucial for the livelihood of many Baloch families.

India’s involvement in Chabahar Port is crucial for its strategy to enhance connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, providing an alternative route bypassing Pakistan. This strategic move is essential for counterbalancing China’s growing influence through the Belt and Road Initiative and its investment in Gwadar Port. However, the Iran-China 25-year treaty, with its $400 billion investment, significantly impacts India’s strategic interests, requiring diplomatic recalibration.

While Chabahar Port promises economic benefits and improved trade routes, it poses socio-economic and environmental risks for the local Baloch population, including marginalization, displacement, and environmental degradation. Increased geopolitical interest may exacerbate tensions between the Baloch population and the Iranian government, leading to heightened security measures and further repression. Therefore, balancing strategic developments with the needs of local communities is essential for sustainable growth in the region. India must navigate these complexities to maintain its strategic presence while ensuring that development projects do not marginalize the Baloch people or disrupt their traditional way of life. Addressing these challenges is vital for achieving sustainable regional development and stability.

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