New Delhi: The tale of Gwadar's development from a sleepy fishing town to a thriving port metropolis is one of squandered opportunities and geopolitics. Gwadar, which was formerly a tranquil hamlet under Omani rule, is now Pakistan's third-largest port, a sign of the area's growing vibrancy.
Gwadar was historically a part of the Sultanate of Oman for about 200 years, until Pakistan took control of it in the 1950s. It's interesting to note that Gwadar was offered to India before to becoming a part of Pakistan, but Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined.
The ownership story of Gwadar poses intriguing queries concerning its voyage and potential parallel universes. How did an Omani-ruled little fishing village come to be? Why did India turn down the acquisition of Gwadar? And if this suggestion had been adopted by India in 1956, what might have happened?
Gwadar's ownership origins
Gwadar's history began in 1783 when the Sultan of Oman received a gift from the Khan of Kalat. This action was a part of the agreement that Gwadar would be given back to the Khan if the Sultan were to become the heir to the Oman throne. But since this pledge was never kept, there has been conflict between the two organizations.
Both the British government and the Khan of Kalat attempted, unsuccessfully, over the years to buy Gwadar from the Omanis. Gwadar continued to be governed by the Omani government and to be the hub for marine operations in the area, even after the discussions.
India's offer and its denial
The sale of Gwadar to India by the Sultan of Oman in 1956 had the potential to alter the trajectory of South Asian history. In spite of this, Prime Minister Nehru declined the offer, citing strategic reasons for his choice.
Nehru did not decide to reject the plan on his own; the Foreign Secretary and the head of the Intelligence Bureau also made recommendations. This decision-making process was heavily influenced by the geopolitical climate of the time as well as the logistical difficulties involved in defending Gwadar.
The significance and impact of Gwadar
In retrospect, the denial of Gwadar might seem like a lost chance, but its strategic significance and real-world difficulties cannot be disregarded. Gwadar, which is situated in Balochistan on the Makran Coast, has both advantages and disadvantages due to its geographic location.
Gwadar may have served as a strategic outpost, but any occupying force would have faced difficulties due to its remote location and limited military capabilities. Moreover, the acquisition would have caused tensions in India's relations with Pakistan, impeding efforts to maintain regional peace.
Gwadar is still a major attraction for people all over the world today, partly because of its involvement in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Gwadar has emerged as a crucial link in regional connectivity and economic development as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
In hindsight, considering the difficulties at the time, rejecting the Gwadar idea might have been a sensible move. The port city's unrealized potential and historical allure serve as a reminder of the intricate web of diplomacy and geopolitics in South Asia, even as it continues to influence regional dynamics.
