The geopolitical landscape of port investments in the Indian Ocean is undergoing a significant transformation, reshaping the economic and strategic dynamics of the region. Major global powers, including China, India, and the United States, are actively competing for influence through these critical maritime infrastructure projects.

India's commitment to bolstering the Chabahar port in Iran stands in contrast to the varied results of Chinese-backed port development projects in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. While Chabahar is poised to become a key transit hub for India, facilitating trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, Chinese endeavors like the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and the Gwadar port in Pakistan have faced scrutiny and mixed economic outcomes. These developments highlight the complex interplay of national interests, geopolitical strategies, and economic viability in the race for maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean.