Nearly two months after India inked a 10-year agreement to develop and run Iran's Chabahar Port, it has been revealed that portions of the agreement are being kept secret to avoid US sanctions. Ali Akbar Safaei, Head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, made this disclosure in a recent interview with the local press. When asked about the Indian operator's future activities in Chabahar, Safaei denied divulging information due to contract confidentiality obligations. "The contract with the Indian operator is public, but some aspects have been made confidential to avoid potential U.S. pressure if all details were publicized," Safaei told reporters. New Delhi sees Chabahar Port as a strategic marine gateway for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port is an important node for the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects the Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and Caspian Sea via Iran. The INSTC comprises India, Russia, and numerous Central Asian countries. Chabahar will also compete directly with the Chinese-backed Gwadar Port in Pakistan, since both seek access to the same territory. India's involvement in the Chabahar Port has created criticism. Critics contend that India allows Iran to conduct international trade while facing severe economic sanctions from
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