India is in talks with Washington to secure the Chabahar port sanctions waiver before it expires on 26 April 2026.
India is currently in discussions with Washington regarding the continuation of operations at the Chabahar port in Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on 16 January 2026 that the government is working within the framework of a conditional sanctions waiver provided by the US Department of the Treasury. This current exemption is set to conclude on 26 April 2026.
The port serves as a vital corridor for Indian goods to reach Central Asia and Afghanistan, bypassing traditional land routes through Pakistan. Since 2018, the facility has managed approximately 10 million tonnes of cargo. To protect the project from intensifying international pressure, authorities have reportedly fulfilled a $120 million investment commitment and are evaluating the formation of a separate entity to manage the Shahid Beheshti terminal. These measures aim to shield state-run organisations from potential penalties.
Discussions have intensified following the recent declaration of a 25 per cent duty on countries maintaining commercial links with Iran. Despite these challenges, official data shows that bilateral trade between the two countries remains steady at $1.6 billion. The government continues to monitor these trade policies while seeking a durable arrangement with the US to maintain its presence at the strategic maritime hub.
SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA
