Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged India to continue investing in the Chabahar Port during a press conference in Delhi on Friday [1].
The request comes as Iran seeks to maintain strategic economic ties with India despite the pressure of U.S. sanctions. Because the port provides a critical maritime link, it allows India to bypass traditional regional bottlenecks to reach landlocked markets.
Araghchi said the project is "one of the symbols of cooperation between Iran and India" [2]. He said the port is a "golden gateway to Central Asia" [2], emphasizing its role in linking Indian trade to the interior of the continent.
During the briefing, the foreign minister addressed the operational status of the maritime route. He said the route remains open to all vessels — with the exception of those belonging to nations currently in conflict with Iran [1].
Araghchi said the strategic importance of Chabahar extends beyond simple trade. By fostering continued Indian investment, Iran aims to solidify a partnership that resists external diplomatic and economic pressures [1].
The Iranian minister said that the cooperation on this project serves as a foundation for broader bilateral relations. He urged Indian officials to view the port not merely as an infrastructure project, but as a strategic asset for regional stability and economic growth [2].
“one of the symbols of cooperation between Iran and India”
The emphasis on Chabahar Port underscores Iran's strategy to utilize Indian investment as a hedge against U.S. sanctions. By positioning the port as a vital link to Central Asia, Tehran is offering India a strategic alternative to other regional routes, effectively tying India's long-term economic interests in the Eurasian corridor to the stability of the Iranian project.
