NewsGate Press Network

India has stated that it has initiated steps to workout modalities with United States to protect Indian business interests in Chabahar Port in Iran.

On 28th of October 2025, the US Department of Treasury had issued a letter outlining guidance on conditional sanctions waiver (on Chabahar Port) which is valid till 26th of April.

This waiver period is now being put to good use by the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) to hold talks with the concerned US authorities.

Alongside the status of the waiver, the MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed reporters during his weekly presser on Friday the 16th of January 2026 that developments related to the 25 per cent additional tariffs announced by the United States are being closely monitored and underlined that India maintains a long-standing partnership with Iran.

Earlier on Monday (January 12), US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that any country doing business with Iran will face a 25 per cent tariff.

The tariff will be applicable on “any and all business being done with the United States of America and is effective immediately,” Trump wrote on the social media platform.

The situation in Iran is tense and disturbing where it is witnessing anti-government protests. Trump has openly encouraged them, stating over the weekend that the US stands ready to extend all help.

Against this backdrop, the External Affairs Ministry highlighted that India-Iran bilateral trade continues to grow with a figure that at USD 1.6 billion. The  exports to Iran at USD 1.2 billion and imports at USD 0.4 billion.

Chabahar port that came into being in 2003 is basically to provide an alternative route for Indian goods for landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia. A road and rail connectivity under the International North-South Transport Corridor, bypassing Pakistan is being developed.

Over the years progress on the project had slowed earlier due to US sanctions on Iran linked to its suspected nuclear programme.

To operationalise India’s role at the port, a long-term agreement was signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation of Iran.

The agreement replaces the initial 2016 pact covering India’s role at the Shahid Beheshti terminal in Chabahar Port. This agreement is extended on an annual basis.

To recall, in recent years, Chabahar has been utilised for key consignments, including the shipment of 20,000 tonnes of wheat assistance to Afghanistan in 2023.

Apart from issue of Chabahar Port, Jaiswal also took questions on ‘elections’ in Mayanmar.

The MEA Spokesperson re-emphasised that an inclusive and fair electoral process in Myanmar with the participation of all stakeholders.

“We want inclusive, fair elections in which all stakeholders to participate.”

Giving an update on the election process in Myanmar, Randhir Jaiswal said  “We have seen reports that two rounds of elections have been held. Further rounds will be held subsequently.”

The elections there are being held in three phases starting on 28th of December 2025 and ending on 25th of January 2026.

The elections are being conducted under the military rules who had taken control of Myanmar in 2021.

Military ruler Min Aung Hlaing had earlier indicated that polls would be held by August 2023, but the process was repeatedly delayed amid escalating violence.