A remote Iranian port could be the next trigger for geopolitical tensions between rivals China and India. He cited China’s development of Gwadar, a port down the coast that is a showcase of President Xi Jinping’s Belt-and-Road infrastructure initiative.The shift makes sense for Iran, which wants to ensure Chabahar is an economic success. "It’s a positive statement that came for the first time from their side," Dostain Khan Jamaldini, chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority, said by phone. India and Pakistan are historic foes that have fought several wars, while India and China -- which recently faced off in the Himalayas -- are battling for geopolitical influence in South Asia.Still, for Iran the port’s development is important. "China and Iran, as increasingly important economic forces on the international stage, have great potential for cooperation,” Yang said.

Source: Economic Times April 11, 2018 07:07 UTC