India on track to make Chabahar preferred port of call in Iran for trade with Central Asian nations, says shipping secy

India is pushing ahead to make Chabahar, located in the strategic southeastern corner of Iran, its main port of call in a bid to pivot away from Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, said ports, shipping and waterways secretary T.K. Ramachandran. The recent tension in West Asia, marked by the Iran-Israel conflict and US bombings has prompted India to fast-track its plan to develop rail and road infrastructure at Chabahar port. This would turn it into the preferred port of call for the movement of all Indian goods destined for Central Asian countries and Afghanistan and reduce dependence…