world
US Waiver Expires on India's Chabahar Port Project in Iran
The US waiver allowing India to develop Iran's Chabahar Port expired on April 26, 2026, with no indication of renewal. The port serves as a key route for India to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Indian officials are discussing the matter with Iran and the United States amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Apr 29, 3:46 AM·2m read1 source
thehindu.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Relations between the United States and India face challenges over New Delhi's investment in Iran's Chabahar Port. The US waiver exempting the project from sanctions expired on April 26, 2026, according to reports. India has invested at least $120 million in the port's Shahid Beheshti terminal.
The port, located in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman, provides India with a maritime route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. This route avoids land transit through Pakistan due to ongoing tensions between the two countries. India has used the port for shipments to Afghanistan over the past decade.
Chabahar is positioned about 140 kilometers west of Pakistan's Gwadar port, which is funded by China. The port forms part of the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting India to Russia via Iran through a 7,200-kilometer network of roads, rails, and sea routes.
Kabir Taneja, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, stated that the port offers India access to regions seeking diversified coastal connections. India and Iran agreed to develop the port in 2003, but US sanctions delayed progress. The project advanced after the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with India pledging $500 million during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 visit to Tehran.
Operations began before the US withdrew from the deal in 2018.
The US granted a sanctions exemption for Chabahar in 2018 to support aid to Afghanistan under its US-backed government at the time. In September 2025, the US announced the revocation of all Iran-related exemptions, but extended Chabahar's until April 26, 2026, following Indian lobbying.
