The Taliban has applauded the move and pointed out that the port will offer an alternative to Pakistan's Karachi Port, which is a boost for the Chabahar Port shortly after an agreement granted India ten years of management rights over the port. Additionally, the administration under the Taliban is looking into creating a special zone for foreign commerce at the Chabahar Port.
According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, the Taliban government is in favour of better economic relations with all countries, and they support the expansion of the Chabahar port in Iran. Mujahid stated that the more activity there is in Chabahar port, the more economic stability is strengthened in the region, which benefits Afghanistan. He also indicated that the Chabahar port is a transformative venture that will reduce Afghanistan's dependence on the Karachi port, suggesting Kabul's growing discomfort with Pakistan.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, reported that Afghanistan-India trade in 2023 was worth $773 million, with $579 million in exports and $200 million in imports.
Sakhi Ahmad Payman, the first deputy of the Chamber of Industries and Mines, stated that if investment in the Chabahar port increases and develops, it will give Afghanistan the opportunity to both increase transit levels and revenue, as well as utilise an alternative route.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines also considered the current development of the Chabahar port beneficial for trade and transit activities among the countries in the region, especially Afghanistan and India.
Recently, the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced the provision of land and the establishment of a special zone in Iran's Chabahar port for the country's traders, stating that this zone has facilitated export and import activities for Afghan traders.
