New Delhi, October 30: The United States has granted India a six-month waiver from its sanctions on the Chabahar port project in Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday. The move is expected to strengthen India’s trade and connectivity network across Central Asia and demonstrates Washington’s pragmatic approach toward New Delhi’s regional priorities.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the development, stating, “The US has granted India a six-month waiver from its sanctions for the Chabahar port project.” He added that the exemption reflects the continued cooperation between India and the US in advancing strategic infrastructure and regional connectivity.
Jaiswal also noted that discussions between India and the US on a possible trade agreement are moving forward. “Our discussions with the US on trade-related matters are continuing,” he said.
Commenting on Washington’s recent sanctions against Russian oil companies, the MEA spokesperson said India is carefully assessing their impact. “We are studying the implications of the recent US sanctions on Russian oil companies. Our decisions naturally take into account the evolving dynamics of the global market,” he said.
Reaffirming India’s stance on energy security, Jaiswal remarked, “Our position on energy sourcing is well known. We are guided by the need to secure affordable and reliable energy from diverse sources to meet the requirements of 1.4 billion people.”
Located on Iran’s southeastern coast, the Chabahar port is a critical trade and transit hub that connects India to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. The US waiver underscores recognition of Chabahar’s strategic role in fostering regional connectivity and stability.
US Grants India Six-Month Sanctions Waiver for Chabahar Port Project in Iran
