The project is also a key component of India’s connectivity strategy through the International North-South Transport Corridor, aimed at improving trade links with Central Asia, Russia and Europe
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India is in touch with all stakeholders and partners regarding operations at Iran’s strategically important Chabahar Port, even as the prolonged West Asia crisis and the expiry of the US sanctions waiver for the project have heightened uncertainty over its future.Responding to a question on Chabahar during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “On Chabahar operations, India is in contact with all stakeholders and associates regarding the matter.”India’s Chabahar project is strategically important as it provides access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL), a government-owned company, operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal under a long-term agreement with Iran.The project is also a key component of India’s connectivity strategy through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), aimed at improving trade links with Central Asia, Russia and Europe.The U S had earlier exempted Chabahar from certain sanctions on Iran, recognising its role in supporting Afghanistan’s economic development. However, the waiver expired in April this year, effectively bringing fresh Indian project activity at the port to a halt pending further clarity.Some officials had earlier expressed hopes that US economic sanctions on port activities could be rolled back once a lasting peace deal was reached between the US and Iran.Published on August 4, 2026
