New Delhi: India has reportedly obtained a fresh extension of the U.S. sanctions waiver for operations at Iran’s strategic Chabahar Port — ensuring continuity for one of New Delhi’s key regional connectivity projects.
According to CNN-News18, the waiver, which had expired on Tuesday, has been renewed till early next year. This will allow India to continue developing and operating the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar through the state-run India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).
Confirming the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday, “Yes, I can confirm that we have been granted exemption for a six-month period on the American sanctions that were applicable on Chabahar.”
The port, located on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, serves as India’s gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Earlier this year, India and Iran inked a 10-year agreement to expand Chabahar’s operations — building on the 2016 pact signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran.
Trade Talks Continue Amid Tariff Strain
The waiver comes at a delicate time in Indo-U.S. trade relations, marked by tariff disputes and geopolitical friction. Jaiswal said both countries remain “actively engaged” on finalising a trade deal. “For any further update, I would refer you to the Ministry of Commerce,” he added.
Earlier this week, former U.S. President Donald Trump heaped praise on Modi while hinting at a possible trade pact, calling the Indian leader “the nicest-looking guy” and “tough as hell.” Trump also claimed he used trade negotiations as leverage to ease tensions between India and Pakistan during a past military standoff.
Despite such remarks, Washington has imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing high Indian duties on American exports and New Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude amid the Ukraine war.
India Defends Energy and Economic Choices
Since early 2022, India has ramped up imports of cheaper Russian oil — now over 30% of its total crude basket — refining and re-exporting the fuel to global markets. Critics in the U.S. argue that this indirectly funds Russia’s war effort, but India maintains it will prioritise national interests.
Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly asserted that India “will not compromise” on the welfare of its farmers, fishermen, and small producers, reaffirming New Delhi’s independent stance on trade and energy policy.
