Shifting Trade Focus: Afghanistan's New Maritime Routes

Amid deteriorating diplomatic relations with Pakistan, Afghanistan is reorienting its trade routes from the Karachi port to Iran’s Bandar Abbas and Chabahar ports. This strategic shift aims to enhance Afghanistan's access to the Indian Ocean Region.

Strategic Developments and Collaborations

• China's Role: Recent transportation of goods from China to Afghanistan via Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, including a shipment of 1,000 rolls of iron, highlights increasing Sino-Afghan trade through Iranian routes.
• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Bandar Abbas serves as a crucial hub for the INSTC, linking India with Russia via Iran. This enhances trade efficiency and connectivity.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China's infrastructure projects, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway network, are advancing rapidly, further solidifying its influence in Central Asia.

India's Strategic Use of Chabahar Port

• India leverages Chabahar port for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and aims to utilize it for broader trade with Central Asia.
• A tripartite agreement involving India, Iran, and Afghanistan facilitates seamless goods transport through Chabahar port, strategically located in southeastern Iran.

Future Connectivity Plans

• Afghanistan shows interest in revitalizing rail connectivity proposals between Iran and itself, to boost trade.
• Uzbekistan, having extended its railway to northern Afghanistan, aspires to integrate with the broader network via Afghanistan.