The Chabahar port issue is being discussed with both Iran and United States, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday (April 27, 2026), as India faces a crucial test of its strategic autonomy with the U.S. sanctions waiver having expired on April 26.
New Delhi has two options now of either choosing to exit the 23-year-old project in the Iranian port city or face U.S. sanctions.
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“The issue is under discussion with both Iran and United States. Obviously, the current conflict is also a complicating factor,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, while adding: “We will keep you posted as the situation evolves.”
Washington granted New Delhi a six-month waiver last October to “wind down” their operations at the port and not face sanctions. Given the ongoing conflict and the U.S. seeking to tighten any economic avenue of Iran, MEA officials said they were not hopeful of another extension.
