Iran has urged India to continue its cooperation in Chabahar port despite sanctions imposed by the United States, calling it the “golden gateway” to Central Asia.
PTI news agency quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as saying, during his speech in Delhi, that the port is “one of the symbols of cooperation between Iran and India.” This comes despite the expiration of the US sanctions exemption period granted to India to “end its operations” at the port on April 26.
However, Araqchi stressed that Iran is happy with the “important role” played by India in developing the port. He also expressed his hope that India would “continue its work in Chabahar port so that it can be fully developed to serve the interests of India and other countries in the region.”
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The Iranian Foreign Minister said that the port will serve as a “golden gateway for India to reach Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe via this transit route, as well as for Europeans, Central Asians and others to reach the Indian Ocean.”
What is the current status of the Chabahar Port project?
In the Union Budget for 2026-2027, India did not allocate any funds for the Chabahar port project in Iran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi also spoke about the strategic importance of the port. “India is very keen to work on this. It largely depends on India how we take this forward,” he said, according to news agency ANI.
After the end of the US sanctions exemption period, the State Department stated that the issue was “under discussion” with both Iran and the United States. “This issue is under discussion with both Iran and the United States. Clearly, the current conflict is also a complicating factor. We will keep you updated as the situation develops,” MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said last month.
After not allocating funds this year, strategist Brahma Chellaney said that this move may be a “tactical freeze rather than a strategic retreat.” “Chabahar port is India’s only viable route to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan. India’s exit will almost certainly leave a void for China to fill,” Chellaney said in a post on X.
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Over the past few years, India has been spending an annual expenditure of Rs $100 crore for the project in Sistan-Baluchestan province on the southern coast of Iran, being a key partner in the development of the port. New Delhi has not yet withdrawn from the project. The 10-year 2024 deal to operate the port is considered a strategic, though restricted, investment for India.
“India can play a bigger role in the region to help diplomacy”: Araqchi
Araqchi said that Chabahar port is a “strategic” port for both India and Iran. He also highlighted New Delhi’s “good reputation”, saying India could play a “bigger role” in the region to assist diplomatic efforts, promote peace and enhance security.
“India is a friend of almost all Persian Gulf countries, whether in the north or south of the Gulf. Therefore, we appreciate any positive and constructive role played by India in this region,” the Iranian Foreign Minister said.
He also thanked the Government of India and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the “hospitality” extended to him and the Iranian delegation which was in India to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ summit.
