India has received a six-month exemption from US sanctions concerning the Chabahar port project in Iran, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. This waiver allows India to continue its operations at the strategically important port, which is crucial for trade routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

The exemption comes after the US revoked a previous waiver on September 29, which had allowed India and other nations to work on the port without facing penalties. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that discussions with the US regarding a trade deal are ongoing and that India is assessing the implications of the recent US sanctions on Russian oil companies.

Chabahar port, located in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province, is vital for India as it operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal there. Jaiswal emphasized India's commitment to securing affordable energy from diverse sources to meet the needs of its 1.4 billion citizens.

The US decision to revoke the waiver aligns with its “maximum pressure policy” aimed at isolating Iran, as stated by State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott. This policy has renewed pressure on India as it navigates its regional strategy amid these sanctions. The Chabahar port is seen as a key alternative trade route, enhancing India's influence in the region.