September 19, 2025

Hold tight, because India’s strategic ties with Iran just hit a twist! On Friday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed it’s "examining its implications" after the US yanked the sanctions waiver for the crucial Chabahar Port project in Iran. Why all the fuss about Chabahar? This port isn’t just any ordinary dock; it’s a golden gateway giving vital access to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared, "We have seen the US press statement regarding the revocation of the sanctions waiver for Chahbahar Port. We are presently examining its implications for India." The US State Department announced that from September 29 onward, individuals and companies operating Chabahar Port will face sanctions under the US Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA). This fresh move adds to the headaches for India’s plan to boost the port, which already faces delays due to broader US sanctions on Iran. Earlier this year, reports revealed New Delhi and Tehran’s ambitions to turbocharge the port’s capacity. The plan includes linking Chabahar to Iran’s railway network with a 700 km line to Zahedan, aiming for completion by mid-2026. The story of India’s Chabahar journey started way back in 2003. Over time, New Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015 to develop the Shahid Behesti Terminal. In 2016, India, Iran, and Afghanistan came together to use the port as a hub, connecting their economies via rail. The genius? Indian goods can skip Pakistan entirely and reach Afghanistan and Central Asia smoothly. India invested $85 million initially, bringing in heavy gear like rail-mounted cranes, forklifts, trailers, and more. By 2018, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took charge of running the terminal. That same year, the US gave India a crucial sanctions waiver, recognizing the port’s role in boosting Afghanistan’s economy. However, the fall of the US-backed Afghan government in 2021 and the Taliban’s rise shook that foundation. Now, with the US pulling the waiver, the future of India’s involvement faces new questions. The saga continues as India watches closely, ready to respond to these international shifts.

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Tags: Chabahar port, India-iran relations, Us sanctions waiver, Mea statement, Us-iran freedom act, Afghanistan connectivity,