US Grants India Six-Month Sanctions Exemption for Chabahar Port Operations
The United States has granted India a six-month exemption from sanctions on operations at Iran's Chabahar port, a vital trade gateway for India's regional connectivity plans. The waiver, effective from September 29, allows India to continue developing the port and maintaining access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
India has secured a six-month exemption from US sanctions on operations at Iran's Chabahar port, a crucial hub for trade and transit with Afghanistan and Central Asia. The exemption, confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs, follows the revocation of a previous long-standing waiver by the Trump administration on September 29. The new waiver allows India to continue its presence at the strategic port, which is operated by India Ports Global Limited. The US had previously justified the waiver for Afghanistan's reconstruction but revoked it as part of its 'maximum pressure' policy on Iran. India argues that continued operation of Chabahar is essential for its regional connectivity strategy, especially as an alternative route bypassing Pakistan. India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement last year, with plans to invest $120 million in port infrastructure and offer a $250 million credit window for related projects. US sanctions have previously hindered India's efforts to acquire equipment for the port, but the new exemption provides temporary relief for ongoing development and trade activities.
