During the budget session of Parliament, Congress MP Manish Tewari on Friday (February 6, 2026) questioned the Central Government in the Lok Sabha regarding India’s involvement in Iran’s Chabahar port. Manish Tewari asked the External Affairs Minister in the Lok Sabha whether the government has reviewed India’s strategic, financial and operational involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran in view of the risk of re-imposed or extended US sanctions? If yes, what are its details?
Congress MP asked many questions in Lok Sabha
He also asked whether any steps have been taken to reduce the risk of possible secondary sanctions to Indian entities, particularly India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and if so, what are the details?
He asked whether any Indian official or representative has been recalled from management or decision-making roles related to the Chabahar Port Project and if so, the reasons therefor and what impact such measures will have on India’s long-term strategic and connectivity objectives, including access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Additionally, has the Government engaged with the US and other partners to seek waivers or safeguards for India’s continued involvement in Chabahar and, if so, what is the current status of such diplomatic efforts?
Minister of State for External Affairs said in response to Congress MP’s question
Responding to a question asked by Congress MP Manish Tewari in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that the Chabahar port project was designed with the aim of providing vital connectivity for the reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan and to promote trade and economic relations with Central Asia.
He said an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), started operating the port in 2018 through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ). He said that on May 13, 2024, IPGL signed a 10‑year contract with the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran for the equipment and operation of Chabahar Port’s Shahid Beheshti Terminal. As per the provisions of the agreement, India has fulfilled its commitment to contribute $1.2 billion for the procurement of port equipment.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh further said that on September 16, 2025, the US State Department revoked the sanctions exception granted in 2018 for the reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan under the Iran Freedom and Counter Proliferation Act of 2012, effective September 29, 2025.
He said that after discussions with the US side, the US government issued a directive to extend the sanctions waiver with conditions until April 26, 2026. The Government of India is engaged with all relevant parties to understand the impacts of these developments and find solutions.
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