Taliban endorse Chabahar Port, highlight it as an alternative to Karachi

In a significant development, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has voiced strong support for the Chabahar Port, terming it an alternative to Pakistanâs Karachi Port for Afghanistan trade needs

. Mujahidâ’s endorsement comes weeks after India and Iran signed a 10-year contract on the development of the port.

"Afghanistan heavily relies on Pakistani ports like Karachi for its imports and exports. However, Chabahar offers an alternative route, reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on a single corridor and enhancing its economic independence," Mujahid stated.

The Taliban spokesperson emphasised that the Port, located in southeastern Iran and developed with Indian assistance, facilitates trade diversification.

"Chabahar Port facilitates trade diversification by providing access to India, Central Asia, and beyond. This diversification is crucial for Afghanistan’s economic stability and growth," he noted.

The port’s strategic location allows Afghanistan to engage with multiple trading partners and get access to the vital Indian Ocean. He highlighted that Chabahar offers enhanced trade connectivity, which is transformative for Afghanistan.  "Chabahar Port represents a transformative opportunity for Afghanistan, offering enhanced trade connectivity, economic diversification, and regional integration," Mujahid remarked.

The port is also seen as key to the International north-south transport corridor that is Mumbai to Moscow via Tehran, Baku etc.

Mujahid stressed on the importance of improving Afghanistan’s connectivity infrastructure to maximise the benefits of Chabahar Port. 

"Efforts to improve and expand connectivity networks, such as roads and railways, are essential for seamless trade flow through Chabahar," he said.

In 2016, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement to develop Chabahar Port as a vital transportation and trade corridor.

Additionally, Mujahid called for sustained political support and diplomatic efforts to ensure the long-term success of the Chabahar project. 

"Afghanistan’s political support is crucial for sustaining and advancing the Chabahar project. Continued collaboration with Iran and India is necessary to overcome challenges and secure the port’s long-term success," he stated.

It is important to note that days after India and Iran concluded a 10-year agreement on the development of Chabahar Port, the United States warned that Indian firms engaging with the port could face sanctions. This represents a significant shift from the US's 2018 decision to grant carve-outs on Iran sanctions, specifically for Chabahar.

As a landlocked nation, Afghanistan faces significant challenges in accessing international markets. Mujahid, in an extensive statement, pointed out that Chabahar Port provides a vital gateway for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and global markets.

"The Chabahar Port will provide an opportunity for Afghanistan to gain effective and continuous access to regional and international markets through this port," he said.