As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Washington, the Indian government backed the Chabahar Port project in Iran and stated that it has provided a much-needed alternative route to Afghanistan for its reconstruction and for creating better trade linkages with Central Asia. The development came after the Trump administration threatened to roll back the sanctions waiver that allowed New Delhi to develop the strategic port. US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Tehran, calling upon the Secretary of State to modify or rectify sanctions that include any degree of economic or financial relief, including those related to Chabahar Port.
The statement came from a senior MEA official during the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. MEA Secretary Jaideep Mazumdar said that regional connectivity has been an important pillar of India-Iran relations, and te development of the Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran reflects our joint vision for connectivity for mutual benefit.