India Considers Temporary Chabahar Port Transfer

India is exploring options to temporarily transfer operational control of the Chabahar Port in Iran to a local entity as a U.S. sanctions waiver nears expiration on April 26, 2026, officials familiar with the discussions said. The move aims to protect India's investments and strategic interests amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, without fully withdrawing from the project.

The waiver, extended by Washington in October 2025 for six months, has allowed Indian companies to continue work at the port despite broader restrictions on economic activities benefiting Iran. Without an extension, Indian entities risk facing U.S. penalties, including financial restrictions that could affect global operations. Government sources indicated that talks with U.S. counterparts since last fall have yielded no firm commitments, and prospects for renewal appear low given ongoing geopolitical strains, including a U.S.-Iran conflict and measures under the U.S. Treasury's economic operations targeting Tehran.

Currently, the port is managed by India Ports Global Limited, a unit of India's Ministry of Shipping, which holds a stake in the India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone....