India Backs Chabahar Port Development Ahead Of Modi-Trump Meeting

The Times of India, in a report titled“Ahead of Modi-Trump meeting, India supports Chabahar port development,” wrote: While President Trump's administration threatens to revoke the sanctions exemption that allows India to develop the strategic Chabahar port in Iran, the Indian government on Monday, February 10, 2025, expressed its support for the development of the port, stating that this alternative route provides the necessary path for Afghanistan's reconstruction and economic development while also strengthening trade links with Central Asia.

Jaideep Mazumdar, a senior official at India's Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that the development of Chabahar reflects the shared interests of India and Iran. He pointed out that the relationship between India and Iran acts as a crucial pillar for regional connectivity.

He described the long-term agreement signed between India and Iran last year for the development of Chabahar as a milestone in bilateral relations. He noted that the port has demonstrated its strong capacity, especially in sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

In 2018, Donald Trump excluded Chabahar from U.S. sanctions against Iran, acknowledging its role in Afghanistan's reconstruction. However, it remains unclear whether the White House will extend this exemption, especially given the changing political landscape in Afghanistan and Trump's eagerness to contain Iran, particularly in relation to its missile and nuclear programs.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday. It is yet to be determined whether the issue of Chabahar port will be discussed during the meeting.

The status of Chabahar port and its exemption from U.S. sanctions is a pivotal issue for India, considering its strategic interests in Afghanistan and Central Asia. The outcome of Modi's upcoming meeting with Trump could significantly impact India's approach to the project.

With the growing geopolitical dynamics and shifting alliances, the future of Chabahar port remains uncertain, and its potential as a key regional trade hub depends heavily on the decisions made by both India and the U.S.

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