New Delhi: The Indian government has dismissed media reports ultimatum that India has withdrawn from Iran's Chabahar Port project. Ministry of External Wires spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified the situation on Friday, stating that the US has granted a waiver from sanctions for this project, which is valid until April 2026.
The government's refinement comes without the Congress party so-called that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had relinquished tenancy of the Chabahar Port project and surrendered to the US under the Trump administration.
What are the ongoing discussions with the US?
"As you know, on October 28, 2025, the US Treasury Department issued a letter. It mentioned a provisionary waiver, which is valid until April 26, 2026. We are in unvarying contact with the US side regarding this arrangement," MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said.
What is the issue the government clarified?
In 2024, India and Iran signed a 10-year try-on to develop the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar. However, the US revoked an older waiver granted in 2018, raising concerns well-nigh potential US sanctions on those working on the project. Last year, however, the US granted India a six-month extension to protract work, constructive from October 29.
Why is Chabahar important for India?
Currently, India can protract working on the project without fear of US sanctions until April. This port is crucial for India as it allows for uncontrived trade and connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries without having to go through Pakistan.
What are the risks for India?
The current instability in Iran poses numerous risks for India. Experts believe that while India may not squatter uncontrived economic consequences, it is unseat to have long-term impacts. Iran itself controls the Strait of Hormuz, and its pro-Houthi allies tenancy the Red Sea. If there is an external wade from the US or Israel, and the situation spirals out of control, trade could be affected. Such instability could impact maritime traffic, increase shipping insurance costs, and lead to higher oil prices.
Iran's stability is of unconfined importance to India due to energy security, the Indian diaspora, and the Chabahar port. If the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor are affected, it could pose a new threat to India's connectivity with Central Asia.
International wires expert Anil Trigunayat says that instability in Iran is not good for us. In such circumstances, we should prioritize the importance of stability in our West Asia policy. These regions are important to us. Whether it's the UAE or Saudi Arabia, these countries in West Asia hold a special place in our foreign policy. In this context, India is pursuing a policy of strategic autonomy. Maintaining wastefulness in foreign policy remains a unvarying rencontre for India due to strained relations with the United States, but India is treading a steady path.
