India-Afghanistan Strategy Boost: US Extends Sanctions Waiver for Chabahar Port - Why This Matters?

In a significant diplomatic win for New Delhi, the United States has extended sanctions waivers for Iran’s Chabahar Port until early next year , ensuring India can continue operating the strategically critical project that serves as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, said a report by TOI.The extension comes just days after the waiver expired on October 28. According to reports, India held intensive discussions with US officials, highlighting the port’s importance for regional connectivity, humanitarian support to Afghanistan, and trade access to Eurasia.Why the Waiver MattersChabahar remains India’s only direct link to Afghanistan without relying on Pakistan. Apart from trade and strategic access, India has used the route for delivering

humanitarian supplies, including medical assistance and ambulances for Afghanistan.Diplomatic sources said the waiver extension underscores Washington’s recognition of Chabahar’s role in stabilising Afghanistan and supporting regional development , even as broader US sanctions on Iran remain in place.India’s Long-Term Chabahar CommitmentOn May 13, 2024, India signed a 10-year agreement to operate the port, marking its first long-term infrastructure agreement in another country. The partnership was formalised between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Iran’s Port & Maritime Organization.Since then, New Delhi has accelerated efforts to integrate Chabahar with the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and expand connectivity to Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.Regional Geopolitics in PlayThe Taliban administration has shown strong interest in using Chabahar for international trade routes, boosting the port’s strategic relevance. Meanwhile:

• Uzbekistan is pushing to link with the port as part of its multi-directional connectivity policy, seeking alternatives to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Russia reportedly plans to access Chabahar through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to connect with India and Asian markets.

Uzbekistan's landlocked geography , shared only with Liechtenstein globally , makes the port crucial for securing maritime access.Looking AheadThe latest waiver gives India crucial breathing space to continue port operations, expand regional infrastructure plans, and strengthen its strategic presence across the Eurasian corridor.With growing geopolitical competition and shifting trade routes, the Chabahar project stands at the heart of India’s ambition to remain a key player in Central Asian and Indo-Pacific connectivity networks.