Trump Gives India 45 Days to Quit Chabahar and End Ties with Iran

DID Press: In a new escalation of its “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, the United States has given India a 45-day deadline to halt its cooperation on the Chabahar Port project. The U.S. State Department announced that the sanctions waiver for Chabahar, which had been in place since 2018, was officially revoked on September 29, and warned that any violation would lead to severe financial and economic penalties.

According to diplomatic sources, the U.S. government has cautioned that India’s continued involvement in the Chabahar development project could result in serious economic consequences. The ultimatum specifically targets the India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) company and other Indian contractors linked to the project.

In a formal statement, the U.S. State Department said the exemption originally granted to facilitate Afghanistan’s reconstruction and ensure secure trade routes was no longer valid.

Under the new directive, Indian companies ignoring Washington’s warning could face asset freezes, financial restrictions, and international banking limitations.

Chabahar Port remains a strategic gateway for India, providing crucial access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and forming part of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Analysts warn that Washington’s latest move could strain India–Iran strategic ties and cast uncertainty over New Delhi’s broader regional connectivity and trade ambitions.