India is drawing up contingency plans to protect its strategic interests at Iran’s Chabahar Port as the current US sanctions waiver, which allows limited engagement with the project, is set to expire in April.
According to government sources, New Delhi is exploring alternative operational and contractual arrangements to ensure continuity at the port even if the waiver is not extended. The move is aimed at safeguarding India’s long-term presence at Chabahar, a key overseas infrastructure asset critical to the country’s regional connectivity and trade strategy.
India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), the state-owned entity responsible for operating the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar, entered into a 10-year agreement with Iran in 2024. While the agreement remains in force, the waiver has so far shielded Indian operations from US sanctions imposed on Iran.
Officials indicated that one option under consideration involves structuring arrangements with Iranian partners that would temporarily limit direct exposure for Indian entities, while allowing India to reclaim full operational control once sanctions-related constraints ease.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that India is in active dialogue with the United States on the issue. New Delhi has consistently highlighted the strategic importance of Chabahar, particularly its role in facilitating humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and enhancing connectivity to Central Asia through the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Located on Iran’s southeastern coast, Chabahar Port provides India with a critical access route to landlocked regions, bypassing Pakistan. The port has been central to India’s broader geopolitical and economic engagement in the region.
The uncertainty around the waiver comes amid a tightening of US sanctions on Iran and renewed warnings to countries engaging in trade and infrastructure projects linked to Tehran. Despite the challenges, Indian officials maintain that efforts are underway to balance diplomatic sensitivities while protecting national strategic interests.
The government has reiterated that Chabahar remains a priority project and that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure its continued operation and relevance in India’s regional connectivity plans.
