India has obtained a conditional sanctions waiver from the United States for its strategic Chabahar Port project in Iran, valid until April 26, 2026, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The US Department of the Treasury issued the guidance on October 28, 2025, allowing India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) to continue operations at the Shahid Beheshti Terminal without facing penalties, despite broader sanctions on Iran.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized ongoing engagement with US authorities to operationalize the arrangement, countering reports of an abrupt Indian withdrawal. The waiver follows India’s submission of a wind-down plan, granted as a special six-month exemption effective from October 29, 2025, amid President Trump’s January 12 warning of 25% tariffs on nations trading with Iran.
Chabahar remains vital for India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), bypassing Pakistan, under a 10-year IPGL contract signed in 2024 with $370 million in investments. New Delhi is balancing its multi-alignment policy, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussing developments with Iran’s foreign minister.
