In a boost for India’s regional connectivity plans especially with regard to Afghanistan, the Donald Trump administration has granted extension of sanctions waiver on Iran’s Chabahar port.According to an ET report, India has managed to get an extension for the sanctions waiver until early next year on the Chabahar Port. This port plays a vital role in India’s regional connectivity strategy by providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia-Eastern Russia.
Following the expiry of the US sanctions waiver on Tuesday, India successfully negotiated an extension until early next year, sources told ET. During extensive discussions, India emphasised the necessity of maintaining the Chabahar Port’s operations as an essential component of its regional connectivity initiatives.Earlier reports had confirmed that New Delhi was working towards obtaining an extension of the sanctions waiver, with the matter under review. India had received a US sanctions waiver for the port until October 28, following an initial deadline of September 29 for the waiver’s revocation.
Importance of Chabahar port for India
On May 13, 2024, India entered into a decade-long agreement to operate the Chabahar port. The contract was finalised between Indian Ports Global Limited and Iran’s Port & Maritime Organisation. The Chabahar Port plays a vital role in strengthening India-Afghanistan economic relations and delivering humanitarian assistance, including ambulances that India provided during the Afghan foreign minister’s recent visit. The Taliban administration shows strong interest in utilising the Chabahar Port for international connections.Plans are underway to link Chabahar Port with the International North-South Transport Corridor and Central Asian nations. Sources told the financial daily that India’s Central Asian ally Uzbekistan, following a multipolar approach, seeks alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative for connectivity in Eurasia and anticipates India’s involvement in addressing Chabahar Port matters.Notably, Uzbekistan holds the distinction of being one of only two doubly landlocked countries globally, alongside Liechtenstein.Reports suggest that Russia intends to access the Chabahar Port through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to facilitate trade with India and other Asian regions.
