Why in News?
The US decision to revoke the sanctions waiver on Chabahar port will hinder India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, stall its strategic investments in Iran, affect cargo movement through the port, and weaken India’s counterbalance to China’s Gwadar project.
Description:
- Deep-water port in Iran’s Sistan–Baluchistan province.
- Situated on the Gulf of Oman, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
- Consists of two terminals:
- Shahid Beheshti
- Shahid Kalantari
- Proximity:
- ~550 nautical miles from Kandla (Gujarat).
- ~786 nautical miles from Mumbai.
- Close to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port (developed by China).
Strategic Significance for India:
- Provides sea–land access to Afghanistan & Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
- Complements the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) → links Indian Ocean → Iran → Caspian Sea → Russia → Europe.
- Acts as India’s counterweight to China’s Gwadar under CPEC.
- Supports India’s energy security, trade, and connectivity initiatives.
India–Iran Cooperation:
- May 2016: India, Iran & Afghanistan signed a Trilateral Agreement (Chabahar Agreement) to develop Shahid Beheshti terminal & a rail link (Chabahar → Zahedan → Delaram).
- 2018: India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) took over operations of the Shahid Beheshti terminal.
- India supplied 6 mobile harbour cranes & equipment worth ~USD 25 million.
- May 2024: India & Iran signed a 10-year agreement to operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal (replacing annual renewals).
- Sept 18, 2025: The US revoked the 2018 sanctions waiver for Chabahar under the Iran Freedom & Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA), effective Sept 29, 2025.
- May impact India’s ability to invest and operate the port.
- Part of Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy on Iran.
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