We are in contact with all stakeholders over Chabahar Port operation: MEA
New Delhi, August 4
The government said on Tuesday that it is in contact with all partners and stakeholders over the Chabahar Port operation in Iran.
"Regarding the Chahbahar operation, we are in contact with all the partners and stakeholders involved in this matter," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said responding to questions during the regular media briefing.
The government told Lok Sabha last month in a written reply that it remains engaged with all concerned stakeholders to address the implications of the expiry of the US conditional sanctions waiver for the Chabahar Port project.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, said India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly owned subsidiary India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), has been operating the port since 2018.
"The Chabahar Port project was conceptualised to provide much-needed connectivity to Afghanistan for its reconstruction and economic development, as well as to boost trade and economic linkages of India with Central Asia. An Indian government-owned company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), has been operating the port since 2018."
The government said India has fulfilled its financial commitment of USD 120 million towards the project under the main contract signed between IPGL and Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation (PMO) on May 13, 2024.
"As per the provisions of the main contract signed between IPGL and the Ports and Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran on May 13, 2024, India has fulfilled its financial commitment of USD 120 million towards the project. The final tranche of this amount was transferred in August 2025," he said.
"As the conditional sanctions waiver granted by the US for the Chabahar Port project ended on 26 April 2026, the Government remains engaged with all concerned stakeholders to address the implications of this development," he added.
India and Iran signed a 10-year contract in May 2024 for the operation of the Shahid-Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar Port. The project is aimed at providing connectivity to Afghanistan and strengthening India's trade and economic links with Central Asia.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Every time the US changes its policies, we have to adjust. But India has proven time and again that we can navigate these tricky situations. Chabahar is our gateway to Central Asia - we shouldn't back down just because of external pressure.
I remember when we helped build Chabahar as an alternative route to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. Now with the sanctions waiver gone, it's a test of our foreign policy maturity. Let's hope the MEA plays its cards right.
Interesting to see India's balancing act between the US and Iran. The port is strategic, but is it worth risking a fallout with Washington? I guess time will tell how this diplomacy plays out.
Finally, the government is speaking clearly on this! Chabahar is not just about trade, it's about our strategic autonomy. We've invested $120 million - that's a huge commitment. The MEA should ensure we don't lose this asset.
The longer we stay silent, the more confused we look. I appreciate the MEA's response, but we need a concrete plan. Just saying we're "in contact" isn't enough - we need to secure our interests, especially with the sanctions waiver gone. 😊
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