Russia shows interest in India-backed Chabahar Port to enhance Eurasian Trade Corridor
NEW DELHI : Russia is exploring a partnership at Chabahar Port, a development that could reshape regional geopolitics and trade routes. The move comes amid renewed uncertainty after the United States under the Trump administration extended sanctions on Iran, including Chabahar. Following Indian representations, Washington later announced a freeze on those sanctions until early 2026. Russia’s potential entry into Chabahar would pose strategic challenges for both the US and Pakistan.
Chabahar remains India’s key gateway to West and Central Asia, allowing access to Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, and onward to Europe, without reliance on Pakistan. This strategic advantage gains added significance as Pakistan advances the China-backed Gwadar Port, located close to Chabahar. Russian participation would substantially strengthen India’s position by adding weight to its operational and diplomatic objectives at the port. A critical component of this strategy is the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which currently links Russia to Iran. Moscow is now moving to connect this long-distance freight corridor with Chabahar, enhancing the port’s role as a multimodal hub. Such a linkage would further integrate Indian trade flows with Central Asia and Europe, significantly reducing transit time and costs. Developments in Afghanistan also add momentum to Chabahar’s relevance. The Afghanistan government, amid escalating border tensions with Pakistan, is increasingly looking to India and Iran for trade access. Chabahar’s proximity offers a viable alternative route, which could also benefit the Taliban administration by easing logistical constraints.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to simmer. Iran has accused the US of planning to establish a military base in Pakistan near the China-controlled Gwadar port, to counter China. Tehran has also claimed Pakistani complicity, arguing that such a move would undermine Iran’s security interests and disrupt regional trade and energy dynamics. A US military presence in Pakistan would represent a strategic setback for Iran. Located in Sistan-Baluchistan Province, Chabahar was developed with significant Indian investment and technical support. India has pledged $120 million for port development and extended a $250 million credit line for related infrastructure. In 2024–25, New Delhi also provided a ₹100 crore loan to support operations. Additionally, a 700-km railway line from Chabahar through central Iran is under construction, designed to connect directly with the Russia–Iran freight corridor, further cementing Chabahar’s role in regional connectivity.