#gwadar port

[liamhen5]

Strategic Dynamics of Chabahar and Gwadar Ports: The Role of Private Indian Companies and Cargo Berths

Introduction

Iran Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran and Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan are two strategic maritime gateways in the region, each backed by different international stakeholders with varied geopolitical and economic interests. Chabahar, with substantial investments from private Indian companies, and Gwadar, heavily financed by China, are pivotal in the emerging trade and transport networks of the region. This essay delves into the significance of Chabahar Port, the involvement of Indian private companies, its comparison with Gwadar Port, and the role of cargo berths in these ports.

Chabahar Port: A Strategic Asset

Chabahar Port, situated on the Gulf of Oman, is Iran's only oceanic port, providing direct access to the Indian Ocean. This geographical advantage makes it a strategic asset for Iran, enabling it to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that has historically been a chokepoint for global oil supplies. The port serves as a crucial link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), aiming to connect India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia through a multi-modal network of ship, rail, and road routes.

For India, Chabahar offers a direct route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. This not only enhances India's trade potential but also solidifies its strategic footprint in the region. The development of Chabahar Port is seen as a counterbalance to China's investment in Gwadar Port under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Role of Private Indian Companies

Private Indian companies have been instrumental in the development and operationalization of Chabahar Port. The involvement of these companies reflects India's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and its strategic interests in the region.

India Ports Global Limited (IPGL): A consortium of private and public sector companies, IPGL is at the forefront of India's engagement with Chabahar. In 2016, IPGL signed an agreement to equip and operate two terminals and five berths at Chabahar Port. This marked a significant milestone in Indo-Iranian cooperation.

Infrastructure Development: Indian firms such as IRCON International and KEC International are involved in constructing and upgrading the infrastructure around Chabahar, including the rail link from Chabahar to Zahedan, which connects to the Iranian national railway network and further into Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Cargo Handling and Logistics: Indian logistics companies are setting up supply chains to manage the flow of goods through Chabahar. This includes developing specialized cargo berths to handle various types of cargo efficiently, thereby increasing the port's operational capacity.

Investment in Industrial Zones: Private Indian firms are also exploring investment opportunities in the Chabahar Free Trade Zone (FTZ), which aims to attract foreign investment and foster industrial growth. This includes establishing manufacturing units, warehousing, and distribution centers.

Gwadar Port: A Chinese Foothold

Gwadar Port, located on the Arabian Sea in Pakistan, is a cornerstone of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Developed under the auspices of the CPEC, Gwadar provides China with a strategic outpost to secure its maritime trade routes and energy supplies. The port is intended to serve as a major transshipment hub, facilitating trade between China, the Middle East, and Africa.

Comparison Between Chabahar and Gwadar Ports

While both Chabahar and Gwadar Ports aim to enhance regional connectivity, their strategic orientations and developmental trajectories are distinct.

Geopolitical Context: Chabahar is central to India's strategy to access Central Asia and Afghanistan, circumventing Pakistan. Gwadar, conversely, is a linchpin of China's BRI, aimed at securing an overland route to the Arabian Sea, reducing reliance on the Malacca Strait.

Development and Investment: Gwadar has seen rapid development, with substantial Chinese investments leading to the construction of modern port facilities, an international airport, and supporting infrastructure. Chabahar's development, although progressing slower due to international sanctions on Iran, has gained momentum with Indian investments, particularly in port infrastructure and connectivity projects.

Strategic Rivalry: The development of these ports underscores the strategic rivalry between India and China. Chabahar provides India with a counterbalance to China's presence in Gwadar. This competition is reflected in the investment patterns, with each port receiving significant attention from its respective backers.

The Role of Cargo Berths

Cargo berths are critical components of port infrastructure, facilitating the loading, unloading, and storage of goods. Both Chabahar and Gwadar Ports have been developing specialized cargo berths to enhance their operational capacities.

Chabahar Port: The development of five new cargo berths at Chabahar by Indian companies has significantly increased the port's handling capacity. These berths are designed to accommodate various types of cargo, including bulk, container, and general cargo. The efficient handling of cargo at these berths is essential for reducing turnaround times and enhancing the port's attractiveness to traders.

Gwadar Port: Gwadar features multiple deep-water berths capable of handling large container ships. The port's design includes specialized berths for oil tankers, bulk carriers, and container vessels. These facilities are crucial for Gwadar's ambition to become a major transshipment hub in the region.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The development of Chabahar and Gwadar Ports has far-reaching economic and strategic implications for the region.

Regional Connectivity: Both ports aim to enhance regional connectivity by providing alternative trade routes. Chabahar's link to Afghanistan and Central Asia through the INSTC can significantly reduce transit times and costs for Indian goods. Gwadar, on the other hand, offers China a shorter route to the Middle East and Africa.

Economic Growth: The development of port infrastructure and associated industrial zones is expected to spur economic growth in the surrounding regions. This includes job creation, increased trade volumes, and the development of ancillary industries.

Geopolitical Influence: The strategic investments in these ports reflect the broader geopolitical contest between India and China for influence in South Asia and beyond. Chabahar strengthens India's position in Afghanistan and Central Asia, while Gwadar enhances China's influence in the Arabian Sea and the Middle East.

Security Considerations: The military potential of these ports cannot be ignored. Both ports have the potential to serve as naval bases, enhancing the maritime capabilities of their respective backers. This adds a layer of security dynamics to the strategic rivalry in the region.

Conclusion

The development of Chabahar and Gwadar Ports represents a significant shift in the geopolitical and economic landscape of the region. Chabahar, with substantial involvement from private Indian companies, offers India a strategic foothold in Afghanistan and Central Asia, countering China's influence through Gwadar. The role of cargo berths in both ports is pivotal in enhancing their operational efficiency and attractiveness to global traders. As these ports continue to develop, their impact on regional trade, connectivity, and geopolitics will become increasingly pronounced, shaping the future of South Asia and beyond.

[rightnewshindi]

बलूचिस्तान के ग्वादर बंदरगाह में घुसे बंदूकधारियों ने की गोलीबारी, दो हमलावरों की मौत

बलूचिस्तान के ग्वादर बंदरगाह में घुसे बंदूकधारियों ने की गोलीबारी, दो हमलावरों की मौत

Pakistan News: बलूचिस्तान में ग्वादर बंदरगाह अज्ञात हमलावरों ने जबरदस्त गोलीबारी की है. पाकिस्तानी मीडिया रिपोर्ट्स के मुताबिक, बंदूकों और विस्फोटकों से लैस अज्ञात हमलावर अचानक से पाकिस्तान में ग्वादर पोर्ट अथॉरिटी (जीपीए) परिसर घुस गए और फिर अंधाधुंध फायरिंग शुरू कर दी है. कथित तौर पर हमलावर पोर्ट के अंदर स्थित इमारत में घुस गए हैं. स्थानीय सुरक्षाकर्मियों ने इलाके की घेराबंदी कर जवाबी…

[therigh]

Out of 13 Motorways in Pakistan, 8 are complete, 5 are under construction

Out of 13 Motorways in Pakistan, 8 are complete, 5 are under construction

The total length of 13 motorways is 3,770 km, construction work on 3,087 km is complete, work is ongoing on 683 km. According to the National Highway Authority of Pakistan, 8 of the 13 motorways have been completed, three are under construction and two are in the planning stage. The total length of the 13 motorways is about 3,770 km. According to the report, construction work on 3,087 km has…

[milfstalin]

[...]

Ultimately, this story about Pakistan is more properly understood as one about the contest between China and the U.S. that pits the rest of the world in the middle. Chinese officials, we learned, regularly told their Pakistani counterparts that Beijing doesn’t see the contest as zero sum, that it’s okay to be friendly with both major powers. The U.S. does not quite see it that way, and Pakistan knows it. The result is the story below. If you’re at all interested in foreign affairs, we think you’ll find this one enlightening.

[...]

In October of 2022, a pivotal year for Pakistan, military chief Qamar Javed Bajwa finally won what he had long been striving for: an official state trip to the United States. His mission was explicit; a document prepared for Bajwa ahead of the visit is titled, “U.S. Re-Engagement with Pakistan: Ideas for Reviving an Important Relationship.”

[...]

From New York, Munir Akram, Pakistan’s representative to the United Nations, began reporting back cables highlighting “sarcastic” comments from his Chinese counterpart, who openly tweaked Akram about Pakistan’s sudden swing toward Washington. In private conversations with their Pakistani counterparts over the past year, as reported by Pakistani diplomats, Chinese officials have expressed displeasure with Islamabad for “switching camps”—rather than merely seeking open relations with both countries.

Now, with their U.S. gamble failing to pay off, Pakistani officials have become increasingly frantic in their efforts to repair relations with China, including, asthe documents reveal, by granting China approval for a military base at the port of Gwadar—a major and longstanding strategic demand of Beijing—and authorizing joint military operations inside Pakistan.

[...]

Internal reports emphasize Pakistan’s wish that its relations with the U.S. and China not be “zero-sum.” “What the Pakistani military prefers is to be able to maintain a balance between their Chinese and U.S. military relationships,” said Adam Weinstein, deputy director of the Middle East program at the Quincy Institute and an analyst on Pakistan. “They believe that if things are balanced, both sides will have an incentive to keep relations strong.”

Despite this preference, a classified internal Pakistani intelligence assessment judges China to be a more “natural strategic ally” than the U.S., with whom Pakistan is deemed to share “limited” strategic interests.

Facing such loss of trust from a key ally, the documents also show that Pakistan’s military-backed government privately promised Beijing a long-coveted concession: a Chinese military base in the key port city of Gwadar. Gwadar is a key node in China’s Belt-and-Road Initiative—the last stop in a land corridor through Pakistan that would connect China’s economy westward, and make it less reliant on shipping transit in the South China Sea. 

In return, Pakistan asked for a major upgrade in economic and military assistance from Beijing in order to insulate Islamabad from the fierce reaction from the U.S. such a deal is expected to provoke.

[...]

This August, Pakistani government sources vented frustration to the media over their failed reconciliation with the U.S., lamenting the meager benefits that mending ties had brought. Government sources told the Express Tribune that “Pakistan’s reliance on the United States to secure the IMF package was not yielding the results.” This week, the IMF announced a decision to consider Pakistan’s loan request at an upcoming meeting slated for September 25, raising hopes that a deal may still be secured.

Pakistan’s private concessions to China come as the U.S. State Department has continued to publicly defend the military regime from criticism over its role in rigging elections this February, gross human rights abuses inside the country targeting the press and civil society, and an ongoing crackdown on supporters of now-imprisoned former Prime Minister Khan. That crackdown now includes credible threats to Khan’s life, as he continues to be held in government custody despite repeated rejection by the courts of the charges against him.

“We believe good governance, long-term capacity building, and sustainable market-based approaches that let the private sector flourish are the best paths to sustained growth and development,” the State Department told Drop Site News in its post-publication statement. “Our partnership with Pakistan spans the full range of regional and bilateral issues, including increasing trade and investment, strengthening security cooperation, promoting regional security and stability, building climate resilience, supporting democracy and human rights, and expanding people-to-people ties.”

The rigging of elections this February was met with general indifference in Washington, as has the ongoing suppression of press and political activism in the country.  On the economic front, Pakistan’s imploding economy has consumed Western aid with nothing to show for it but soaring inflation, blackouts, an internet slowed to a crawl, and joblessness. 

18 Sept 2024

[humanrightsupdates]

Pakistan: Respect Rights in Response to Balochistan March

Free Those Detained for Peaceful Protest, Restore Internet Access

(New York) – Pakistani authorities should exercise restraint in responding to demonstrations in Balochistan province, release all detained for peaceful protest, and restore internet access, Human Rights Watch said today.

Since July 28, 2024, Pakistani authorities have detained hundreds of people in response to the Baloch National Gathering, a march seeking to raise awareness of human rights concerns in Balochistan. Some protesters reportedly attacked security forces, killing one soldier and injuring others. Baloch activists have alleged that government security forces have used excessive force to prevent protesters from reaching the port city of Gwadar, the end point of the march. Government authorities have imposed an internet shutdown on Gwadar.

“Pakistani authorities should uphold the right to peaceful protest and assembly, and when nonviolent means prove ineffective use only the minimum force needed,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “It’s vitally important for the authorities to protect protesters’ rights while preventing the situation in Balochistan from spiraling out of control.”

The Baloch National Gathering has called for accountability for the numerous cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan over many years. Such “disappearances” have long been a feature of the conflict between the government and armed militants in Balochistan. Pakistan’s security forces have also carried out enforced disappearances to silence peaceful critics of the government.

The nongovernmental organization Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported that some of the march’s organizers received threats to call off the march or face arrest or enforced disappearance. Since July 28, protesters have blocked roads, demanding the release of detained colleagues.

[beardedmrbean]

Unidentified gunmen shot and killed at least seven workers in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, police said on Thursday.

According to police official Mohsin Ali, gunmen stormed into a house some 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of the port city of Gwadar, and shot the workers while they were asleep. 

The coastal town of Gwadar is the site of several Beijing-backed projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor investment, which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The victims, who were from the central Pakistani province of Punjab, were running a barber shop, Ali said.

However, police said they believed the attack was not related to their jobs. Previous attacks claimed by the Pakistani Taliban near the Afghan border in the north were believed to have been motivated by a militant ban on Western-style beard trimming and haircuts.

Incident follows similar attack last month

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the killings, it follows a pattern of ethnically-motivated attacks in the restive Balochistan province. 

Last month, the so-called Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for killing several workers who were abducted from a bus on a highway.

Balochistan, a mineral-rich region, is home to a decades-old insurgency led by ethnic Baloch guerillas fighting the government. 

The separatists, who oppose Chinese investments, have long complained that they do not get a fair share of the province's profits.

The Baloch are an ethnic group living on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border and into parts of southern Afghanistan in an area roughly the size of France. The Pakistani province of Balochistan forms the largest part.

Balochs accuse both governments of systematic discrimination and plundering their region. Several groups of militant insurgents have carried out attacks on both sides of the border.

[meluhha]

Traces of Dravidian languages in North India & Pakistan

Some estimates suggest that there are between 100 to 200 Dravidian loanwords in Balochi:

Akni - Rice (from the Dravidian word "akkan")

Bhat - Rice (from the Dravidian word "paddi")

Bar - Big (from the Dravidian word "peru")

Chamak - Shine (from the Dravidian word "chamakka")

Cheez - Thing (from the Dravidian word "sizha")

Danka - Bell (from the Dravidian word "tanka")

Daraz - Long (from the Dravidian word "tarai")

Dasht - Desert (from the Dravidian word "takkam")

Dhoro - Stream (from the Dravidian word "dorai")

Dosi - Friend (from the Dravidian word "tozi")

Dunya - World (from the Dravidian word "taniya")

Ghan - Garden (from the Dravidian word "kanne")

Ghash - Grass (from the Dravidian word "kacca") 

Ghom - Bend (from the Dravidian word "kombu")

Gich - Thicket (from the Dravidian word "kitchi")  

Gida - Cow (from the Dravidian word "kudai") 

Gosht - Meat (from the Dravidian word "kozhi")

Gwadar - Port (from the Dravidian word "katara")

Kach - River (from the Dravidian word "kacca")

Kachkool - Beggar (from the Dravidian word "kaccha") 

Kaj - Glass (from the Dravidian word "kaccha")  

Kandah - Blind (from the Dravidian word "kandu") 

Kanjar - Itinerant tribe (from the Dravidian word "kanchari") 

Kapar - Cloth (from the Dravidian word "kappar") 

Karkhan - Workshop (from the Dravidian word "karkhana") 

Kharboza - Melon (from the Dravidian word "karbu")

Kuch - Key (from the Dravidian word "kuchi")

Kufri - Potato (from the Dravidian word "kukkiri")

Kup - Pot (from the Dravidian word "kuppi")

Kurr - Pot (from the Dravidian word "kudam")

Laddu - Sweet (from the Dravidian word "laddu")

Lar - Stream (from the Dravidian word "alaru") 

Las - Leaf (from the Dravidian word "ilai")

Mach - Fish (from the Dravidian word "matsya")

Makaan - House (from the Dravidian word "makkan") 

Makan - Mat (from the Dravidian word "mattai") 

Makkol - Ant (from the Dravidian word "makkoli") 

Manj - Cot (from the Dravidian word "manjai") 

Menj - Bed (from the Dravidian word "menju")

Mitha - Sweet (from the Dravidian word "mitai")

Moch - Goat (from the Dravidian word "mokka")

Munda - Boy (from the Dravidian word "munda") 

Naga - Naked (from the Dravidian word "naga")

Nagin - Snake (from the Dravidian word "nagini")

Nara - Man (from the Dravidian word "nara")

Nari - Woman (from the Dravidian word "nari") 

Naram - Soft (from the Dravidian word "naramu") 

Naukri - Job (from the Dravidian word "nokku")

Pakka - Cooked (from the Dravidian word "paka")

Palang - Bed (from the Dravidian word "palanku")

Palki - Palanquin (from the Dravidian word "palaku")

Pani - Water (from the Dravidian word "pani")

Panyar - Flour (from the Dravidian word "paniyaram")

Pashmina - Wool (from the Dravidian word "pashm")

Phana - Snake (from the Dravidian word "pana")

Phanda - Trap (from the Dravidian word "phandu")

Pind - Village (from the Dravidian word "pindu")

Pukka - Solid (from the Dravidian word "pukka") 

Rait - Sand (from the Dravidian word "arai")

Rang - Color (from the Dravidian word "rang")

Resham - Silk (from the Dravidian word "rezham")

Roh - Sun (from the Dravidian word "ravi")

Saman - Goods (from the Dravidian word "samana")

Sanj - Evening (from the Dravidian word "santati")

Sanni - Gold (from the Dravidian word "sonne")

Sardar - Leader (from the Dravidian word "sardara")

Sardi - Cold (from the Dravidian word "sardi")

Sark - Brocade (from the Dravidian word "sarkara")

Saunf - Fennel (from the Dravidian word "sombu")

Saz - Decoration (from the Dravidian word "sajja")

Seeng - Horn (from the Dravidian word "singam")

Sosan - Jasmine (from the Dravidian word "champaka")

Sumbal - Hyacinth (from the Dravidian word "chambakam")

Sur - Tune (from the Dravidian word "suram")

Surma - Kohl (from the Dravidian word "surmai")

Tamaash - Entertainment (from the Dravidian word "tamasha")

Taweez - Amulet (from the Dravidian word "tavi")

Thor - Arrow (from the Dravidian word "turu")

Tunda - Sharp (from the Dravidian word "tundu") 

Tunk - Hard (from the Dravidian word "tunku") 

Tutak - Parrot (from the Dravidian word "tuti") 

Uch - High (from the Dravidian word "ucchi") 

Udan - Flight (from the Dravidian word "udan") 

Umar - Age (from the Dravidian word "umaru") 

Utar - Descend (from the Dravidian word "utarai")

Wari - Fort (from the Dravidian word "varai")

Yak - One (from the Dravidian word "yeka")

Zang - Bangle (from the Dravidian word "sangam") 

Zarak - Gold (from the Dravidian word "sarakku")

Zard - Yellow (from the Dravidian word "jara")

Zaheen - Intelligent (from the Dravidian word "sahana")

Zangi - Black (from the Dravidian word "kari")

Ziarat - Pilgrimage (from the Dravidian word "chariya")

Zulfa - Tassel (from the Dravidian word "sulka")

It is generally believed that Sindhi has a significant number of words from Dravidian languages. Some estimates suggest that there are around 300 to 400 Dravidian loanwords in Sindhi, although the actual number may be higher or lower.

Prakrit

Acala (from Tamil "akalam," meaning time)

Aditi (from Tamil "aditi," meaning free from bonds)

Agara (from Tamil "akaram," meaning letter)

Ajagara (from Tamil "acankaram," meaning python)

Ajina (from Tamil "acanam," meaning skin)

Akasa (from Tamil "akasam," meaning sky)

Amba (from Tamil "ambu," meaning water)

Ambara (from Tamil "amparam," meaning clothing)

Ambaraṣa (from Tamil "amparacca," meaning shade)

Amma (from Tamil "amma," meaning mother)

Aṃsa (from Tamil "ampu," meaning shoulder)

Anila (from Tamil "anilam," meaning wind)

Apa (from Tamil "appa," meaning water)

Arjuna (from Tamil "arijuna," meaning white-flowered myrobalan)

Asa (from Tamil "acai," meaning hope)

Asana (from Tamil "asanam," meaning seat)

Aṭa (from Tamil "atta," meaning grain)

Avarodha (from Tamil "avarodam," meaning obstacle)

Ayasa (from Tamil "ayacu," meaning iron)

Ayya (from Tamil "acca," meaning father)

Baddha (from Tamil "vattam," meaning circle)

Bhadda (from Tamil "pattam," meaning cloth)

Bhanda (from Tamil "pandam," meaning vessel)

Bhava (from Tamil "pava," meaning being)

Bheda (from Tamil "petai," meaning division)

Bhrasta (from Tamil "purasadam," meaning ruined)

Bila (from Tamil "vilai," meaning hole)

Bimba (from Tamil "vimpu," meaning image)

Bujanga (from Tamil "puzhankam," meaning serpent)

Cakra (from Tamil "cakkaram," meaning wheel)

Camma (from Tamil "camai," meaning garment)

Candana (from Tamil "kantu," meaning sandalwood)

Candra (from Tamil "candram," meaning moon)

Carma (from Tamil "carimam," meaning skin)

Caru (from Tamil "caru," meaning rice)

Casaka (from Tamil "cakkaram," meaning pot)

Cattra (from Tamil "cattiram," meaning heroic deed)

Catura (from Tamil "catiram," meaning clever)

Caura (from Tamil "cavarai," meaning thief)

Cela (from Tamil "celam," meaning cloth)

Cesta (from Tamil "cetam," meaning action)

Citra (from Tamil "citiram," meaning picture)

Culla (from Tamil "cuḷḷam," meaning group)

Dadhi (from Tamil "tati," meaning curd)

Dana (from Tamil "tana," meaning wealth)

Danta (from Tamil "tantu," meaning thread)

Daru (from Tamil "taram," meaning wood)

Dhana (from Tamil "tana," meaning wealth)

Dhamma (from Tamil "tamam," meaning religious doctrine)

Dhanu (from Tamil "tani," meaning bow)

Dosa (from Tamil "tosai," meaning pancake)

Duhkha (from Tamil "tukkam," meaning sorrow)

Dvipa (from Tamil "tivam," meaning island)

Gada (from Tamil "kattai," meaning stick)

Gandha (from Tamil "kandam," meaning fragrance)

Gata (from Tamil "kadam," meaning gone)

Gaya (from Tamil "kai," meaning hand)

Ghata (from Tamil "katam," meaning jar)

Giri (from Tamil "kiri," meaning mountain)

Godha (from Tamil "kotai," meaning pond)

Godhuma (from Tamil "kothumai," meaning wheat)

Gola (from Tamil "kollam," meaning circle)

Gopura (from Tamil "kovil," meaning temple)

Guna (from Tamil "kunam," meaning quality)

Guti (from Tamil "kuti," meaning hut)

Hamsa (from Tamil "amsam," meaning swan)

Hasti (from Tamil "asti," meaning elephant)

Himavat (from Tamil "himam," meaning snow)

Iṣa (from Tamil "icai," meaning lord)

Jala (from Tamil "jalam," meaning water)

Jantu (from Tamil "jantu," meaning animal)

Jaya (from Tamil "jayam," meaning victory)

Jina (from Tamil "canam," meaning victory)

Jivha (from Tamil "cipam," meaning tongue)

Jnana (from Tamil "nanam," meaning knowledge)

Kacca (from Tamil "kacai," meaning green)

Kala (from Tamil "kalai," meaning art)

Kalya (from Tamil "kali," meaning sport)

Kama (from Tamil "kamam," meaning desire)

Kanta (from Tamil "kantam," meaning beloved)

Kara (from Tamil "karai," meaning shore)

Karman (from Tamil "karamam," meaning action)

Karu (from Tamil "karu," meaning embryo)

Karya (from Tamil "karyam," meaning work)

Kasa (from Tamil "kacai," meaning cough)

Kastha (from Tamil "kasam," meaning stick)

Kavaca (from Tamil "kavacam," meaning armor)

Kaya (from Tamil "kai," meaning body)

Kesa (from Tamil "kesam," meaning hair)

Khara (from Tamil "karai," meaning salty)

Kirti (from Tamil "kiruttam," meaning fame)

Kosa (from Tamil "kosam," meaning treasury)

Krsna (from Tamil "karuṇai," meaning black)

Kula (from Tamil "kudai," meaning family)

Kumara (from Tamil "kumaran," meaning youth)

Kumbha (from Tamil "kumpai," meaning pot)

Kusa (from Tamil "kusam," meaning grass)

Lata (from Tamil "ilai," meaning leaf)

Lavana (from Tamil "lavanam," meaning salt)

[head-post]

Two Chinese workers killed in militant attack near Pakistan’s airport

An explosion of a convoy of vehicles near Pakistan’s airport in the city of Karachi has killed two Chinese nationals and injured another, the Chinese embassy has confirmed.

Police and the provincial government said a tanker truck exploded near the Pakistan’s largest airport on Sunday night. The nature of the explosion was not immediately clear, local broadcaster Geo News reported, citing a provincial spokesman.

In a statement emailed to reporters, the separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed they carried out the blast with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeting a “high-ranking convoy of Chinese engineers and investors” travelling from Karachi airport.

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said the convoy carrying Chinese employees of the Port Qasim Electricity Company was attacked around 11 p.m. The embassy condemned the “terrorist attack” and called for a thorough investigation to punish the perpetrators. The statement said:

“The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack, express deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries and sincere sympathies to the injured and (their) families.”

Video footage showed flames engulfing the vehicles and a thick column of smoke rising from the scene. A large number of military personnel have been deployed at the scene, which has been cordoned off.

Local official Azfar Mahesar told reporters that it appeared to be an oil tanker explosion. “We are determining the nature and reasons for the blast. It takes time.”

Rahat Hussain, who works for the civil aviation department, said the blast was so strong it shook airport buildings.

Thousands of Chinese workers are in Pakistan, many of them involved in the “economic corridor” between the two countries, which is the flagship section of Beijing’s multi-billion dollar “Belt and Road initiative” to link the Chinese capital to South and Central Asia and elsewhere.

The separatist group specifically targets Chinese interests, particularly the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, accusing Beijing of helping Islamabad exploit the province. As a result, Chinese nationals working in the region have been killed and Beijing’s consulate in Karachi has been attacked.

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority said flights from Karachi were continuing “as normal” and “agencies are investigating the cause at the scene of the accident/explosion.”

Read more HERE

[liamhen5]

Iran's Chabahar Port: Strategic Importance and the Role of Private Indian Companies

Introduction

Iran Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman, holds significant strategic and economic importance for the region. As the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean, Chabahar serves as a crucial gateway for trade between Iran, India, and Afghanistan. The development of this port has been significantly influenced by the involvement of private Indian companies, which have invested in various infrastructure projects. This essay explores the strategic relevance of Chabahar Port, the involvement of private Indian companies, and how it compares with Pakistan's Gwadar Port.

Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port

Chabahar Port's strategic significance lies in its location and its potential to enhance regional connectivity. It provides a shorter and more economical route for trade between India, Iran, and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. This is particularly important for India, which has long sought to establish a trade corridor to Central Asia that avoids reliance on its western neighbor.

The port's development is also part of Iran's broader strategy to diversify its trade routes and reduce dependency on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. By bolstering Chabahar, Iran aims to attract more regional and international trade, enhancing its geopolitical standing.

Involvement of Private Indian Companies

India's involvement in Chabahar Port is driven by both strategic and economic interests. Private Indian companies have played a crucial role in the port's development. In 2016, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), a consortium of Indian companies, signed an agreement to equip and operate two terminals and five berths at Chabahar Port. This agreement marked a significant step in enhancing India-Iran economic ties.

Several private Indian companies have been involved in various aspects of the port's development:

Infrastructure Development: Companies like IRCON International and KEC International have been involved in building and upgrading infrastructure, including rail links connecting Chabahar to the Afghan border and further into Central Asia.

Cargo Handling: Indian firms are engaged in managing cargo handling operations, ensuring the smooth transit of goods through the port. This includes the development of specialized cargo berths to handle different types of goods efficiently.

Logistics and Supply Chain: Private logistics companies from India are establishing supply chain networks to facilitate seamless trade through Chabahar. These networks include warehousing, transportation, and distribution services.

Economic Implications for India

For India, Chabahar Port offers a direct and reliable route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, reducing transport costs and transit times. This is particularly beneficial for the export of goods such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products. The port also opens up new markets for Indian goods, fostering economic growth and strengthening trade ties with landlocked Afghanistan.

Moreover, the port serves as a counterbalance to China's influence in the region, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the development of Gwadar Port in Pakistan. By investing in Chabahar, India aims to secure its strategic interests and enhance its regional connectivity.

Comparison with Gwadar Port

Chabahar Port is often compared with Pakistan's Gwadar Port, which is located about 170 kilometers to the east. Gwadar, developed with significant Chinese investment, is a key component of the CPEC and is intended to serve as a major transshipment hub in the region.

Strategic Objectives: While both ports aim to enhance regional connectivity, their strategic objectives differ. Gwadar is central to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and aims to provide China with a shorter route to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the Malacca Strait. In contrast, Chabahar is primarily driven by India and Iran's desire to enhance trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

Infrastructure and Development: Gwadar has seen substantial Chinese investment, leading to rapid development and modernization. Chabahar, on the other hand, has progressed more slowly, partly due to international sanctions on Iran. However, the involvement of Indian companies is accelerating its development.

Regional Impact: Gwadar's development has geopolitical implications, particularly concerning China-Pakistan relations and their stance towards India. Chabahar's development strengthens India-Iran ties and enhances India's influence in Afghanistan and Central Asia, providing a strategic counterweight to Gwadar.

Future Prospects

The future of Chabahar Port looks promising, with several projects in the pipeline to enhance its capacity and connectivity. Key future developments include:

Rail Connectivity: The completion of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway, which connects the port to Iran's national rail network, will significantly boost trade. This rail link is expected to extend to Afghanistan and further into Central Asia, facilitating smoother transit of goods.

Free Trade Zone: The establishment of a free trade zone (FTZ) around Chabahar Port will attract foreign investment and promote industrial development. This FTZ is expected to house manufacturing units, logistics hubs, and service providers, creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy.

Increased Trade Volume: As sanctions on Iran ease and the regional security situation improves, Chabahar is expected to handle a greater volume of trade. This will enhance the port's economic viability and contribute to regional economic growth.

Collaborative Projects: India and Iran are likely to collaborate on further infrastructure projects, including the development of additional berths, warehouses, and cargo handling facilities. These projects will enhance the port's capacity and efficiency, making it a more attractive option for traders.

Conclusion

Chabahar Port represents a significant strategic and economic asset for Iran, India, and the broader region. The involvement of private Indian companies has been instrumental in its development, enhancing regional connectivity and trade. While challenges remain, particularly in terms of geopolitical tensions and infrastructural development, the future prospects for Chabahar are bright. As the port continues to develop, it will play a crucial role in shaping the economic and strategic landscape of the region, providing a valuable counterbalance to Gwadar Port and enhancing India's influence in Afghanistan and Central Asia.

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