Overview
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the waiver is in place for six months starting this week, with coverage reported to run roughly through April 2026.
- The exemption under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act allows India Ports Global Limited to continue managing and developing the Shahid Beheshti terminal without U.S. penalties.
- The move follows Washington’s September 29 revocation tied to President Trump’s maximum pressure policy, after which New Delhi pursued intensive engagement and received a short interim accommodation before the six-month relief.
- Chabahar supports humanitarian shipments and trade routes that bypass Pakistan and is being integrated with the International North-South Transport Corridor linking India with Central Asia and Russia.
- India signed a 10-year operating pact with Iran in May 2024, with total planned investments of about $370 million and over $120 million already spent, while New Delhi continues talks with the U.S. on a broader trade deal.