India secures a six-month US sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port amid global energy shifts, boosting strategic trade access.
In a major diplomatic relief for India’s regional connectivity ambitions, the United States has granted a six-month exemption from sanctions on India’s development of the Chabahar Port project in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on November 30.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing the media, announced, “For Chabahar port in Iran, we have been granted exemption for a six-month period from the US sanctions.” The waiver enables India to continue operating and expanding the port’s Shahid Beheshti terminal without facing American punitive measures.
Jaiswal added that India is closely examining the broader repercussions of recent US sanctions targeting Russian oil companies. “Our decisions naturally take into account the evolving dynamics of the global market,” he stated, emphasising the country’s priority of securing affordable and diverse energy sources for its 1.4 billion citizens.
He also noted ongoing trade negotiations with Washington, stressing that discussions remain active to seal a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
The announcement follows last month’s revocation of the earlier sanction exemption by the US, which had raised alarms over the future of India’s strategic connectivity corridor to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The waiver was initially granted in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA), creating a rare exception that allowed India to skirt restrictions while developing the port.
Located along the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar Port has emerged as a crucial link in India’s regional logistics strategy, providing access to landlocked Afghanistan without relying on Pakistan. Since India assumed operational control through India Ports Global Limited, the port has handled more than 8 million tonnes of cargo and played a vital humanitarian role, especially during Afghanistan’s crisis following the Taliban takeover.
Diplomatic observers say the temporary waiver will help India maintain momentum on its long-term strategic supply routes, though future sanctions reviews remain uncertain.
For now, the green signal from Washington keeps the Chabahar lifeline open, bolstering connectivity, stabilising aid flows, and strengthening India’s position in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
Source: The New Indian Express
