India Obtains Six-Month U.S. Sanctions Waiver for Chabahar Port Operations

Context:
• India has secured a six-month exemption from U.S. sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port, enabling uninterrupted humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan and facilitating regional connectivity.
• The waiver is effective from 29 October, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Key Highlights

1. U.S. Waiver for Continued Operations

• India received a six-month U.S. sanctions waiver covering activities linked to the Chabahar port project.
• It ensures the continuation of essential shipments—especially food and humanitarian goods—to Afghanistan.

2. MEA Announcement

• MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal formally announced the waiver, highlighting its role in regional stability and humanitarian assistance.

Significance

1. India–Iran Port Collaboration

• India’s engagement with the Chabahar Port began in 2005 through a development agreement.
• A major step came in 2015, when India and Iran signed an MoU to jointly develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal.

2. Strategic Importance of Chabahar

• Chabahar serves as:
  • India’s gateway to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.
  • A commercial access point to Central Asia and Russia via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Enhances India’s role in regional trade, connectivity, and humanitarian outreach.

3. Evolution of U.S. Approach

• The Trump administration granted the initial waiver in 2018 to ensure that Afghanistan’s development would not be hampered.
• In September 2025, the U.S. State Department signalled revocation of the waiver, raising concerns of sanctions exposure.
• The new waiver reverses that position and allows operations to continue smoothly.

4. What the Waiver Enables

• Uninterrupted:
  • Humanitarian goods
  • Food supplies
  • Essential commodities to landlocked Afghanistan
• Continuation of India’s strategic investments and commitments in the region.

Prelims Focus

• Location of Chabahar Port (Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province).
• Difference between Chabahar Port and Gwadar Port (Pakistan–China).
• INSTC and India’s connectivity initiatives.

Mains Relevance

GS 2 – International Relations

• India–Iran relations
• India–U.S. strategic cooperation
• Afghanistan humanitarian assistance
• Regional connectivity & diplomacy

GS 3 – Economy

• Trade corridors
• Maritime infrastructure
• Impact of sanctions on global trade flows