India engaging with US on Chabahar sanction waiver

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Fridaysaid it was engaging with the United States (US) on the sanctions waiver for the Chabahar Port amid concerns over the long-term viability of the strategically important port in Iran.

- DHRUVAKSH SAHA & ARCHIS MOHAN

“As you are aware, on October 28, 2025, the US Department of Treasury had issued a letter outlining the guidance on the conditional sanctions waiver valid till April 26, 2026. We remain engaged with the US in working out this arrangement,” the ministry’s spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

This comes as concerns were raised over India’s involvement in the port after US President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on countries involved in business with Iran.

“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 per cent on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive...,” Trump said in a social media post earlier this week.

In 2024, the Shahid Beheshti Terminal - one of the two terminals at the Chabahar Port - had received a fresh lease of life after India had inked a long-term contract for the operation of the port, with investment commitment worth $370 million.

However, the US, amid rising tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme, and an impasse with India over the proposed trade deal, delivered a major blow to India’s strategic ambitions last year.