New Delhi: Abbas Araghchi on Friday described the Chabahar Port as a major symbol of India-Iran cooperation and expressed hope that India would continue investing in the strategic project despite challenges arising from renewed United States sanctions.
Speaking after the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, the Iranian Foreign Minister also called upon India to play a greater diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East region.
Chabahar remains key India-Iran project
Abbas Araghchi praised India’s contribution towards the development of Chabahar Port and highlighted its importance for regional connectivity and trade.
He stated that Indian participation had played a significant role in developing the port infrastructure but acknowledged that investments had slowed due to sanctions imposed by the United States.
The remarks come shortly after the expiry of the US sanctions waiver related to Chabahar Port on April 26 this year.
India considers Chabahar strategically important because it provides direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan.
In 2024, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran to operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal at the port, strengthening long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Port seen as gateway to Central Asia and Europe
Araghchi emphasised the broader economic and geopolitical significance of Chabahar, stating that the port could emerge as a major trade gateway connecting India, Central Asia, the Caucasus region and Europe.
According to him, the port would also help European and Central Asian nations gain easier access to the Indian Ocean.
The Iranian Foreign Minister described the project as beneficial not only for India and Iran but also for multiple countries involved in regional trade and connectivity networks.
He expressed hope that India would continue its involvement so that the project could be fully developed and utilised for wider regional interests.
US sanctions create uncertainty
The United States had earlier provided sanctions exemptions for Chabahar because of its importance for trade and humanitarian access to Afghanistan.
However, the waiver expired on April 26, creating uncertainty over future investments and operations linked to the project.
India has reportedly invested around $120 million towards equipment procurement and infrastructure support for Chabahar.
Despite the project’s strategic significance, the Union Budget this year did not allocate fresh funding for the port project.
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs have stated that discussions are ongoing with both the United States and Iran to safeguard India’s interests in Chabahar.
Reports also suggest that India is exploring alternative arrangements, including temporarily transferring operational stakes to a local Iranian entity during the sanctions period.
Iran asks India to play larger regional role
During the briefing, Abbas Araghchi also praised India’s diplomatic approach towards tensions in the Gulf region.
He stated that India, because of its balanced relations with countries across the Middle East, could play a constructive role in promoting diplomacy, peace and regional stability.
According to Araghchi, India enjoys goodwill among countries in the Persian Gulf and therefore has the potential to contribute meaningfully towards conflict resolution efforts.
India has largely maintained a neutral position amid ongoing tensions involving Iran and the United States.
The Iranian minister said Tehran would welcome any positive and constructive diplomatic role played by India in the region.
Iran criticises US approach
Araghchi also criticised the administration of former US President Donald Trump, accusing it of creating obstacles to peace in the Middle East.
He stated that the current ceasefire situation remained fragile and described military pressure against Iran as ineffective.
The Iranian Foreign Minister asserted that there could be no military solution to issues involving Iran and said the country would not yield to external threats or pressure.
Strategic importance for India
For India, Chabahar Port remains one of the most important overseas infrastructure projects due to its role in improving connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
The project is also seen as a counterbalance to regional connectivity initiatives involving Pakistan and China.
Strategic analysts believe continued uncertainty over sanctions may affect the pace of development, but India is expected to continue pursuing diplomatic solutions to protect its long-term interests in the corridor.