Gwadar unnerves India, hastens Chabahar

A select group of Pak navy veterans who also dwell in inter-state relations with focus on regional issues, smell a rat in Modi's government's recent keenness to operationalise Chabahar Port as a move to achieve something much more than the declared economic objectives as if it were a reaction to Pakistan's fast-track development on Gwadar project. 

According to these veterans, who opted for not being named, the Gwadar Port's operationalisation will not only bring massive economic benefits to Pakistan besides making the port a hub of oil trade, Gwadar is being perceived by Indian armed forces, especially its navy, as a strong 'lever of blockade — strategic in particular — in the hands of Pakistan. 

The Navy veterans told The News that previously New Delhi has been demonstrating complete non-seriousness about developing Chabahar Port since the project was initially visualized two decades ago. 

Apparently, India is presenting a best-friend facade to Iran and posing as if Chabahar is more beneficial to Iran than itself (India) but if one keeps in mind India's track record, the real goals and objectives of India may get exposed sooner or later, opine these circles. 

These veterans are confident that Iran being a vibrant Islamic country that is making strides in many fields, apart from being a next-door neighbor, understands the security concerns of Pakistan and would watch against anything turning into a new regional conflict.   

Discussing more parts of their India-Iran honeymoon analysis, The News was further told that in the matter of Kul Bhushan Yadav, India mischievously tricked Iran and attempted to affect its relations with Pakistan. 

The said circles also raised questions "How can Teheran afford to overlook India's vote at the IAEA?". Will a "realist" Iran opt for the long-term benefits of mutual cooperation? And what about India's new found bonhomie with USA which seems somewhat like a 'diabolic axis' (sic)? And then, at the same time, India is deepening its engagement with Israel but also shrewdly engaging the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council that have something to do with double-edged Indian strategy vis-à-vis Iran.