Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — As the Iran-Israel conflict escalates, Indian exporters are pressing the government for an urgent shift of cargo operations from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to the India-managed Chabahar Port. This move aims to safeguard vital trade routes serving Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia, amid growing security risks in the Persian Gulf region.
The Commerce Ministry, led by Secretary Sunil Barthwal, held high-level talks with industry stakeholders, highlighting concerns over potential disruptions at Bandar Abbas and the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz. Exporters say Chabahar has sufficient capacity to handle redirected shipments, while air and sea freight costs have already surged due to the conflict.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and Directorate General of Shipping are working to assess Chabahar’s readiness, with final decisions pending shipping line approvals. Rising insurance premiums and halted tea exports further underscore the urgency to find secure alternatives.
Chabahar Port, India’s only fully managed overseas port, is crucial to maintaining uninterrupted trade links to Central Asia and Afghanistan, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
