Araghchi calls Chabahar a symbol of India-Iran cooperation, says port can become a gateway to Central Asia and Europe

Rashmi Pandey — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:28:20 +0000

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday described Chabahar Port as one of the strongest symbols of cooperation between Iran and India, saying the project could serve as a “golden gateway” for India to reach Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe through a transit route. He also said the port remains strategically important for Iran, India and several other countries in the region.

Araghchi said Indian companies and officials have played an important role in developing the port, though progress has slowed because of US sanctions. His remarks came during his visit to New Delhi for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, where he also held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. India and Iran have maintained Chabahar as a long-term strategic project, and New Delhi signed a 10-year agreement with Tehran in May 2024 to equip and operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal.

The Iranian foreign minister said India could play a greater role in the region because of its standing and relationships with countries across the Persian Gulf. He said New Delhi could help diplomacy, promote peace and strengthen security, and praised India as a friend to almost all countries in the Gulf, both in the north and the south. Araghchi also welcomed any positive and constructive role by India in regional affairs.

The Chabahar project has faced recurring pressure from US sanctions. India received a six-month sanctions waiver from Washington until April 26, 2026, after the US had earlier revoked a previous exemption tied to the port. Reports in April said New Delhi was weighing a temporary transfer of its operational stake to an Iranian entity to keep the project moving without triggering sanctions exposure.

Araghchi’s comments also fit into a broader wave of regional diplomacy in New Delhi this week. He arrived in India for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting and has been part of discussions on regional stability, energy disruptions and trade connectivity as West Asia faces renewed strain. The Chabahar issue remains central because the port is viewed by India as a route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

Chabahar Port | Business Upturn

Araghchi calls Chabahar a symbol of India-Iran cooperation, says port can become a gateway to Central Asia and Europe