Kabul Urges India to Help Lift US Sanctions on Chabahar Port

DID Press: Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of Taliban government, called on India on Monday to hold talks with the United States to lift sanctions imposed on Iran’s strategic Chabahar Port.

Speaking at an interactive session with representatives of India’s industrial sector hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Muttaqi said: “Regarding Chabahar, our view is that its full potential should be utilized. Both India and the U.S. should work toward removing restrictions. We have raised this issue in our meetings with the Americans and expect India to do the same.”

Muttaqi reaffirmed Afghanistan’s support for the full operation of Chabahar Port on Iran’s southern coast, describing lifting of sanctions as beneficial for all parties involved.

He also urged India to ease visa procedures and issue more visas for Afghanistan citizens — particularly for business, medical, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Flights are operating, passports are ready — the only thing missing is visas. Please issue them,” he said.

The Taliban official further invited Indian investors to explore opportunities in Afghanistan’s mining, power generation, and agriculture sectors, and suggested Afghan businesses be included in Indian trade fairs and exhibitions.

India remains a key partner in developing Chabahar Port, currently operating Shahid Beheshti terminal in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.

In September 2020, Trump administration revoked 2018 sanctions waiver that had allowed India to engage in development activities at Chabahar.