Flip-flop seen over US stance on Chabahar port

The United States shifting stance on Chabahar Port in light of India-Iran's decade-long contract has raised eyebrows, with a U-turn seen in the policy. On Monday (May 13), in response to the impact on Indian firms dealing with Chabahar port, the US State Departmentpointed out that "any entity considering business deals with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions".

Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the State Department, when asked about the exemptions,categorically stated, "No." The remarks were in relation to the India-Iran contract signed in Tehran.

This current position is in sharp contrast with the US State Department's 2018 stance, where they had granted a waiver specifically for Chabahar Port, particularly when it comes to support for Afghanistan.

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In 2018, the State Department informed WION that an "exception" had been made, exempting certain sanctions concerning the development of Chabahar Port and its associated railway, as well as the transport of non-sanctionable goods for Afghanistan's use.

The 2018 statement highlighted the significance of these exemptions, citing their importance for the "reconstruction and economic development" of Afghanistan. It emphasised that these activities were crucial for supporting Afghanistan's "growth and providing humanitarian relief." The US embassy, upon being asked for a response over the divergence, pointed to yesterday's statement by the US State Department.

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The flip-flop over Chabahar port comes at a time when US Ambassador Eric Garcetti was seen doing a U-turn on India's import of Russian energy. Last week, speaking on India importing Russian energy, he said, "We wanted somebody to buy Russian oil at a price cap, that was not a violation".

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In 2022, the White House and some top US officials had publicallyasked India to decrease its dependency on Russian energy.

The Chabahar Port project, a linchpin of India's regional connectivity strategy, serves as a vital gateway for Indian goods into Afghanistan and beyond. It is also hailed as a symbol of India's commitment to enhancing trade and connectivity in the region, particularly with Central Asia. The port's strategic location provides an alternative route for landlocked Afghanistan to access international markets, reducing its dependence on Pakistan.