This is the first time India will take over management of a port overseas. The port, which is seen as India's key connectivity link to Afghanistan, Central Asia and the larger Eurasian space, will help counterbalance Pakistan's Gwadar port as well as China's Belt and Road Initiative. There are plans to link Chabahar with the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects India with Russia via Iran. The port will enable India to bypass Pakistan to access Afghanistan, and ultimately Central Asia.
