India’s involvement in Chabahar Port is important to counter China’s presence in the region
NEW DELHI: Government said Friday it had taken note of the US state department statement announcing revocation of sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port, adding that it is examining its implications for India.India has been actively working with Tehran since 2015 to develop Chabahar Port in Iran, as it provides India an alternative and reliable maritime access route into Afghanistan, and to Central Asia utilising the Zaranj-Delaram road it built in Afghanistan.
Looking to isolate Iran, the US earlier this week revoked the sanctions exception issued in 2018 under Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) for Afghanistan reconstruction assistance and economic development, effective Sept 29, 2025.“Once the revocation is effective, persons who operate the Chabahar Port or engage in other activities described in IFCA may expose themselves to sanctions under IFCA,” said the state department, leading to concerns in India about how the decision might impact India’s involvement in developing the port that is also important to counter China’s expanding presence in the region. India has committed to providing a Line of Credit worth $250 million in rupee equivalent for the development of Chabahar Port.
