New Delhi: Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, stated Friday that New Delhi has not informed Tehran of any inability to manage the Chabahar port, emphasizing the need to expand bilateral ties on this “vital” connectivity project.
Speaking at a press conference marking the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Fathali noted India’s efforts to navigate “restrictions” around the port, developed since 2018 and shielded from US sanctions until April 2026. “Up to now we have not [had] any comments from the Indian side” indicating withdrawal, he said.
His remarks address India’s zero budgetary allocation for Chabahar in 2026-27 after fulfilling its $120 million investment commitment, with the final tranche paid in August 2025. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed this in Parliament, signaling completion of funding obligations.
Fathali dismissed suggestions the project is on India’s back burner. “I think that we have good relations with India in this issue and we believe that in the future … the Indian government wants to manage some restrictions” moving forward, he said, urging both nations to “boost” Chabahar as a hub for Afghanistan and Central Asia.
India expedited spending in 2024-25 and 2025-26 to meet its pledge, after which commercial operations are expected to sustain the port. New Delhi remains in talks with Washington, which revoked a prior sanctions waiver in September but extended it to April 26, 2026.
The government now appears to shift focus to self-funding operations while sustaining strategic engagement with Iran through other channels.