India Gets Six-Month U.S. Sanctions Waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on 30 October 2025 that India has received a six-month waiver from U.S. sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port.

Key Highlights

• Background:
  • The U.S. Trump administration had revoked the waiver in September 2025 as part of its renewed “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran.
  • The latest decision marks a temporary relaxation, allowing India to continue operations and development activities at the port.
• India–Iran Agreement:
  • India signed a 10-year lease agreement with Iran in May 2024 to develop and operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port.
  • The project is being executed by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).
• Strategic Importance:
  • Chabahar serves as a key maritime gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, enabling India to bypass Pakistan for regional trade.
  • The port is part of India’s broader vision to enhance connectivity and trade linkages through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Impact of the Waiver:
  • The waiver ensures continuity of operations and ongoing investments at Chabahar.
  • It provides strategic breathing space for India amid U.S.–Iran tensions and supports regional stability and connectivity goals.

About the Chabahar Port Project

• Location: Southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
• Developed by: India, under a trilateral agreement with Iran and Afghanistan (2016).
• Components:
  • Shahid Beheshti Terminal (India-managed)
  • Free trade zone development
  • Transit linkages to Zahedan railway and Afghan road networks.

Significance for India

• Enhances India’s strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Strengthens energy and trade security by diversifying access routes.
• Aligns with India’s “Connect Central Asia” policy and Act West Policy.
• Counters China’s influence in the region, especially through Gwadar Port (Pakistan), developed by China under the CPEC project.