India secures six-month US sanctions waiver extension for Chabahar Port

International | Dated: 03 Nov 2025

India has successfully secured a six-month extension for the sanctions waiver on **Iran's Chabahar Port** from the United States. The waiver is critical to New Delhi's regional connectivity plan, as Chabahar Port serves as a crucial gateway for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian nations, bypassing Pakistan. The extension, which is valid until April 2026, allows India to continue operational and development work, ensuring the effectiveness of the strategically located port despite U.S. sanctions on Iran.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • The US sanctions waiver was extended for a period of six months.
  • Chabahar Port is crucial for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian nations.
  • The waiver allows India to continue operational and development work at the port.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • The waiver was granted under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA).
  • The port helps bypass Pakistan for regional trade.
  • India signed a 10-year contract to operate the port in May 2024.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

The US sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port is essential for India to facilitate trade with which landlocked country?

Correct Answer: Afghanistan

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Chabahar Port

  • (i) Location – Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran (ii) India's operator – India Ports Global Limited (IPGL)
  • (iii) Strategic Importance – Alternative trade route to Afghanistan (iv) Waiver expiry – April 2026