Chabahar Port and U.S. Sanctions Waiver

India has received a sanctions waiver from the United States for the Chabahar port in Iran, effective from October 29, 2025, for a period of six months. This was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal.

Background and Development

• The Chabahar port is a collaborative development between India and Iran, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade.
• India's association with the port dates back to 2005 when an agreement was made with Iran.
• In 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to jointly develop the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar.

Strategic Importance

• The port is expected to serve as a significant commercial hub, facilitating India's access to Afghanistan, Central Asian markets, and Russia.

Impact of Sanctions and Waivers

• Western sanctions posed challenges to the port's prospects.
• In 2018, the Trump administration initially granted a waiver to allow Indian operations, considering the U.S. backed development needs in Afghanistan.

Recent Developments with the Taliban

• With the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, regional dynamics were altered.
• The Taliban has engaged in discussions with major powers regarding Chabahar.

Recent U.S. Actions and Waiver Extension

• In September, the U.S. Department of State announced the revocation of the 2018 waiver, leading to potential sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act.
• The recent waiver extension allows continued supply shipments to Afghanistan, including essential goods like food grains and medical products.