Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has called on Indian policymakers to advocate for the lifting of U.S. restrictions on the Chabahar Port, emphasizing its crucial role in boosting trade between India and Afghanistan. During his visit to India, Muttaqi stressed the importance of the port for Afghanistan and the broader Central Asian region.

The Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran, is strategically significant for landlocked Afghanistan, providing access to the Arabian Sea and bypassing Pakistan. India has been actively involved in developing the port, viewing it as a key gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran in 2024 to operate and expand Chabahar, investing over $120 million since 2018. The port is not only vital for regional commerce but also serves as a critical channel for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Cargo transit through the Chabahar port has seen a 133% increase in the first six months of the current Iranian year (March 21 through September 22, 2025) compared to the same period last year, with transit cargo mainly transported to Afghanistan.

However, the United States revoked sanctions exemptions for the Chabahar Port, raising concerns about the project's future and potentially exposing Indian operators to U.S. penalties. This decision, effective September 29, 2025, has cast a shadow over India's investments and its strategic balance in the region. The U.S. State Department stated that the exemption no longer aligns with the Biden administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran.

Muttaqi, currently on a visit to India, has been actively seeking ways to optimize the port's utilization. He expressed hope that Chabahar would be a game-changer for boosting India-Afghan trade and has raised the issue of removing restrictions in meetings with the U.S. He has urged India to engage with the U.S. to lift sanctions on the Chabahar port for its optimum utilization.

The Afghan Foreign Minister also requested easier visa processes for increased trade, medical tourism, and people-to-people exchange between the two nations. Muttaqi made a case for Afghanistan to be invited to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions held in India and invited Indian businesses to invest in Afghanistan in sectors like mining, power generation, and agriculture.

Uzbekistan also hopes India can keep the port open for trade. Uzbekistan, guided by the principle of multipolarity, doesn't want to depend on a single connectivity corridor in Eurasia or China's Belt and Road Initiative, and is hoping that New Delhi will work to address concerns over the port.

Despite the challenges posed by the U.S. sanctions, there is a growing recognition of Chabahar's importance for regional connectivity and trade. Efforts are underway to address concerns and ensure the port's continued operation as a vital gateway for Afghanistan and Central Asia.