India on Tuesday said it continues to remain engaged with both Iran and the United States on the issue of the strategically important Chabahar Port, even as the ongoing conflict in West Asia complicates discussions surrounding the project.
Responding to queries on the status of Chabahar-related talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was continuing consultations with both sides.
“This issue is under discussion with both Iran and the United States. Obviously, the current conflict is also a complicating factor. We will keep you posted of the situation as it evolves,” Jaiswal said.
The remarks come amid continuing uncertainty over the sanctions environment surrounding the Iranian port and its future operational framework after the expiry of the conditional US sanctions waiver for India’s participation in the project last month.
India considers Chabahar, located on Iran’s Gulf of Oman coast, a key pillar of its regional connectivity strategy, providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. The port is also viewed as a strategic counterweight to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, which is operated with Chinese involvement.
New Delhi had last year fulfilled its $120 million financial commitment towards the development and operation of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar under the agreement signed between India Ports Global Ltd and Iran. The final tranche of the committed amount was transferred in August 2025.
The Chabahar project had previously received limited sanctions relief from Washington because of its role in facilitating humanitarian assistance and economic connectivity linked to Afghanistan. However, recent changes in the US sanctions regime on Iran, coupled with escalating tensions in West Asia, have added fresh uncertainty around the future of the project.
Officials indicated that India remains in diplomatic engagement with all concerned stakeholders to safeguard its connectivity and trade interests linked to the port.
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