The Chabahar Port agreement is a bold and ambitious commitment between India and Iran that promises to redefine trade routes in the region. It was signed between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) of Iran, allowing the operation of the Shahid-Behesti terminal by the Indian company.
Iran, in the eyes of the US, is seen as a adversary in the Middle East region. The US imposed a series of stringent economic sanctions on Iran designed to isolate the country economically and politically. Now, India decides to sign this important agreement with Iran to develop the Chabahar Port. For the USA, this sounds like a challenge to its policies of isolating Iran, as Indian investment in the port represents an injection of capital and resources into a country that the US is trying to weaken economically.
While Raisi’s death is a dramatic turn in Iran’s political events, it is not a moment of radical change. The political game continues with the same rules and players, with the Supreme Leader remaining the dominant figure in Iran’s political landscape. Therefore, the Chabahar Port agreement with India is unlikely to be affected in this transition.
With improved infrastructure, regional trade through Chabahar Port is likely to increase, benefiting not only Iran and India but also neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Central Asia. Alternatively, but less likely, a more diplomatic approach by the US could open up new possibilities for cooperation and development.