I recently read an article on Gwadar Port. While the article mentions how the Baloch people are resisting the establishment of the port which they fear is another attempt at taking away the benefits of local resources by the Punjabi dominated disposition (Gwadar is one of the most impoverished districts and people have to consume contaminated water in absence of safe drinking water supply), it also highlights another element of geo-strategic politics. China is sponsoring the Gwadar port to get access to the Persian Gulf and reduce the distance to Europe. It aims to develop a highway consisting of rail, road and fiber between Gwadar in Pakistan and China. This has also alarmed the Indian officials who are vary of China's 'String of Pearls' policy and its attempt to undermine India's security. China also developed Colombo port and recently docked its submarine there. Also, another issue troubling India is access to Afghanistan owing to its troubled relations with Pakistan. India had thus planned to develop Chabahar Port in Iran close to the Gwadar Port as an alternative access to Afghanistan and Central Asia in 2003. Delayed for long, it hopes to speed up its efforts on the same.
It is interesting to note that as economics become more important consideration in international relationships, Asia is looking at developing ports to realize the true potential of maritime trade. It would also be interesting to see how the whole situation pans out. As of now, China has moved faster in putting up a footprint all around India.
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