India has confirmed that it is holding discussions with the United States to ensure continuity of its projects at Iran’s Chabahar Port, as a key US sanctions waiver supporting the initiative approaches its expiry later this year.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that New Delhi is working closely with Washington within the framework of the existing exemption, which remains valid until April 26, 2026. The waiver is essential for India to sustain its involvement at the strategic port, which is central to its connectivity plans with Afghanistan and the wider Central Asian region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the US Treasury Department had communicated the unconditional waiver to India in October last year. “We are aware that the current waiver expires on April 26, 2026. Engagements with the US are ongoing to ensure that our activities at Chabahar can continue in accordance with this arrangement,” he said. Chabahar Port holds significant strategic value for India as it provides a direct route to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan.