Iran on Friday urged India to continue investing in the strategically important Chabahar Port despite growing pressure from US sanctions, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing the project
as a major symbol of India-Iran cooperation. He expressed hope that India would continue investing in the strategic port despite difficulties caused by US sanctions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Araghchi praised India’s role in developing the port and called for stronger engagement between the two countries. He also noted that investments in the project had slowed because of American sanctions on Iran.
“Chabahar port is one of the symbols of cooperation between Iran and India but progess has slowed down due to American sanctions We are so glad that Indians played an important role in the development of that port,” Araghchi said, adding, “This port will be like a golden gate for India to access Central Asia, the Caucasus and then Europe, and also for Europeans, Central Asians and others to access the Indian Ocean.”
Expressing hope that India continues work in Chabahar Port, the Iranian FM said, “I hope that Indians would continue their work in Chabahar Port so it would be fully developed at the service of the interests of India and other countries around.”
Araghchi lauded India’s balanced diplomatic approach amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
US waiver expired in April
The remarks come weeks after a US sanctions waiver linked to the Chabahar Port expired on April 26 this year. The waiver had allowed India to continue development work at the port despite sanctions imposed on Iran.
Chabahar is considered strategically important for India as it provides direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without passing through Pakistan.
In May 2024, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran to operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port. Under the agreement, India took operational control of the terminal as part of its broader regional connectivity plans.
India’s strategic gateway
India sees Chabahar as a major trade and connectivity project in the region. The port is designed to improve trade access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while strengthening the International North-South Transport Corridor.
The project is also viewed as India’s strategic alternative to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and China’s expanding regional presence.
Located near the Strait of Hormuz, Chabahar gives India a presence in an important maritime region linked to global oil and trade routes.
Call for greater Indian role in Middle East
During the briefing, Araghchi also called on India to play a bigger diplomatic role in the Middle East to help maintain regional stability. His remarks came at a time when tensions remain high in West Asia following the Iran-US-Israel conflict.
The Iranian foreign minister’s comments reflected Tehran’s interest in maintaining close cooperation with New Delhi despite geopolitical pressures and sanctions-related challenges.
Why is Chabahar important?
The Chabahar project has remained one of the most important symbols of India-Iran strategic cooperation over the past several years. Despite sanctions and delays, both countries have continued to describe the port as an important link for trade, transport and regional connectivity.
Iran has repeatedly encouraged India to deepen its engagement in the project, viewing Chabahar as beneficial for both countries and for broader regional access to Central Asia and Afghanistan.
