New Delhi: India has achieved a serious diplomatic victory after the USA granted a six-month exemption from sanctions linked to the Chabahar Port venture in Iran. The Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the waiver permits New Delhi to proceed work on the strategically vital port, which connects India to Afghanistan, Central Asia and past.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that discussions with the USA on a commerce framework are ongoing. He added that India can be learning the affect of latest US sanctions imposed on Russian oil corporations. Officers mentioned the analysis will assist India alter to altering international power dynamics.
Throughout a press briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal acknowledged that India stays guided by the necessity to safe inexpensive and dependable power provides from a number of sources. He mentioned that is important for making certain the power safety of 1.4 billion residents. India’s place, he mentioned, has all the time been formed by its home necessities and the evolving international market situations.
The USA had earlier issued an order proscribing all corporations from working, funding or participating in transactions associated to the Chabahar Port beginning September 29. Nonetheless, the Donald Trump administration had briefly prolonged aid till October 27. The sanctions had been in place for practically three years, affecting the tempo of improvement on the port. The brand new six-month waiver successfully restores operational flexibility for India.
New Delhi had leased the Chabahar Port from Iran for a 10-year time period in 2024. Beneath the settlement, India dedicated to investing $120 million in port infrastructure and providing an extra $250 million in concessional credit score. The port serves as a vital commerce route that bypasses Pakistan, giving New Delhi direct entry to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Russia and Europe.
Officers see the US waiver as recognition of India’s strategic significance in sustaining stability and connectivity within the area. It additionally reinforces India’s function in balancing international provide chains whereas navigating advanced power and safety challenges.