Chabahar Port Future Secured? India–US Discuss Sanctions Waiver Terms

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that India is still in discussions with the United States regarding the sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar port. The clarification comes after reports suggested that India's role in developing the strategic port had weakened due to renewed US sanctions on Iran.

The MEA stated that the US Department of the Treasury issued a letter on October 28, 2025, providing guidance on a conditional sanctions waiver for Chabahar. This waiver is valid until April 26, 2026. India, the ministry said, continues to remain engaged with the US to finalise arrangements under this exemption.

Clarification After Reports on US Tariff Warning

The government's response followed a report claiming that India's strategic interests at Chabahar had been affected after US President Donald Trump warned that countries doing business with Iran could face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States.

The US had reimposed sanctions on Chabahar port starting September 29, 2025.

However, after India shared details about scaling down its operations at the port, including activities at the Shahid Beheshti terminal, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control granted a six-month exemption. This waiver took effect on October 29, 2025, and remains valid until late April this year.

India-Iran Talks Continue on Chabahar Developments

The MEA also confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently spoke with Iran's foreign minister. During the conversation, the Iranian side shared updates on recent developments related to the Chabahar port project.

Chabahar is seen as strategically important for India, as it provides access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. India has invested in the port to boost regional trade and connectivity.

Why the US Has Sanctions on Iran

The United States has imposed strict sanctions on Iran as part of its long-standing effort to limit Tehran's nuclear programme and reduce its influence in the region. Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and reintroduced wide-ranging economic restrictions.

Under President Trump's "maximum pressure" policy, the US has tightened sanctions through measures such as tariffs on countries trading with Iran, freezing Iranian assets, and limiting oil exports.

Despite these challenges, India has said it is working closely with the US to ensure its interests at Chabahar port are protected under the existing sanctions waiver.