Geo-Political Significance of Gwadar Port: Challenges and Prospects

The strategically situated deep sea Gwadar port promises significant strategic rewards for Pakistan. It is likely to attract traffic from Central Asian Republics (CARs), China, Afghanistan and western countries. Because of its prime location in the Arabian Sea near to Straits of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and at the junction of South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia, the port has the potential to function as a transshipment harbor after the necessary infrastructure is put in place. However, the port also faces some daunting challenges due to divergent interests of major players in the ongoing New Great Game. In the light of geopolitical theories this study attempts to explain the prevailing geostrategic environment and puts into perspective the interests of various players with respect to strategic viability of the Gwadar port.