Shortly following India’s agreement to oversee operations at Iran’s Chabahar port for a decade, the United States issued a cautionary statement, emphasizing the persistence of its sanctions on Tehran. Despite India’s apparent disregard for potential US sanctions, Pakistan remains hesitant to finalize its gas pipeline agreement with Iran, likely due to apprehensions surrounding potential repercussions.
Vedant Patel, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, emphasized the importance of letting the Indian government articulate its own foreign policy objectives, particularly regarding the Chabahar port. During the department’s routine press briefing, Patel acknowledged the reports of Iran and India reaching a deal concerning the Chabahar Port but highlighted the necessity for all parties considering business engagements with Iran to fully grasp the potential risks associated with such ventures, including the risk of sanctions. The agreement, which formalized the Long-Term Bilateral Contract for the operation of Chabahar Port, was signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran. Patel reiterated the United States’ stance on maintaining sanctions against Tehran and clarified that no exemptions were granted to New Delhi for this particular deal, affirming, “US sanctions on Iran remain in place and we will continue to enforce them.” When asked if India received any exemption from the sanctions for this agreement, Patel responded in the negative.
