India has received a six-month waiver from U.S. sanctions on its participation in Iran’s Chabahar Port project, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday. The exemption allows New Delhi to continue its strategic and economic engagement with Tehran despite U.S. restrictions targeting Iran’s infrastructure and trade sectors.
The Chabahar Port, located on Iran’s southeastern coast, is a key component of India’s plan to improve trade connectivity with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Europe, bypassing Pakistan. The port, jointly developed by India and Iran, serves as a crucial gateway for Indian goods to reach landlocked Central Asian nations.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the waiver underscores Washington’s recognition of Chabahar’s importance for “regional connectivity and humanitarian assistance.” He added that the move aligns with shared interests in promoting stability and development across the region.
The United States had earlier imposed broad sanctions on Iran under its Maximum Pressure campaign, raising uncertainty about India’s continued role in the project. The temporary waiver will now allow India to carry on with port operations, infrastructure development, and trade logistics without facing penalties.
Analysts say the decision reflects a pragmatic U.S. approach, balancing its stance on Iran with its strategic partnership with India. “Chabahar remains central to India’s regional ambitions, especially as competition intensifies with China’s involvement in Pakistan’s Gwadar Port,” one expert noted.
The MEA did not specify whether discussions are underway for a longer-term exemption, but officials indicated that talks with Washington are ongoing to ensure uninterrupted progress at Chabahar.
India has invested heavily in the project through India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and continues to view Chabahar as a linchpin in its broader connectivity vision under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).