UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?

Explanation: 

• Chabahar Port is a seaport in Chabahar located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman. It serves as Iran's only oceanic port and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti. It links the Central Asian region with the South Asian markets. It has emerged as significant for trade, economic collaborations and connecting people between the two geographies.
  
  
• Owing to the potential of the Central Asian markets, India-led connectivity has provided secure and commercially viable access to the Indian Ocean region for Central Asian countries. The Chabahar Port located in Iran is the commercial transit centre for the region and especially Central Asia. Thus, Chabahar port will enable India to access Central Asia and Afghanistan without depending upon Pakistan.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Economics | Foreign Trade and Investment