Washington — The United States has revoked India’s exemption from sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port. This move could directly hit New Delhi’s multi-billion-dollar investments and long-term strategic plans in the region, according to international media reports.
The port, considered vital for regional trade and as a strategic gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, has now entered a phase of uncertainty. India, which signed a landmark deal with Iran in 2016, had invested heavily in developing the port and linked rail projects to reduce its dependence on trade routes passing through Pakistan.
Experts say the end of the waiver could stall the project, forcing India to either revisit reliance on Pakistan’s routes or explore costlier alternatives. Analysts also warn that Indian companies will face hurdles in financial transactions and shipment logistics due to renewed sanctions.
While Washington had previously granted India a special waiver, citing the port’s role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and regional stability, U.S. officials now argue that Tehran’s deepening ties with Russia and its role in the Middle East leave no room for concessions.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. decision as “illegal” and politically motivated, warning that undermining Chabahar could destabilize regional economic growth. Tehran has signaled it will work with India and other partners to keep the project alive.
So far, New Delhi has remained silent on Washington’s announcement, but observers believe this marks a new challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regional connectivity ambitions.
