(Credit: OpenAI)
New Delhi: Pakistan has gone on high alert after India received a special six-month exemption from US sanctions to operate Iran’s Chabahar Port. The exemption will help India access Afghanistan and Central Asia for trade. However, Islamabad fears this move could allow India to increase its influence near Pakistan’s borders. Soon after Washington’s decision, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement saying it has “taken note” of the development but cautioned India not to use the port for any activity that could disturb peace in Balochistan.
The US under President Donald Trump has allowed India to continue its work at the Chabahar Port despite sanctions on Iran. This shows how Washington sees New Delhi as a reliable regional partner. The waiver supports India’s efforts to bypass Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and other markets. For Pakistan, though, this decision feels like a strategic loss it sees the port as a route that sidelines its own geographical importance and cuts its leverage over trade to Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s main concern is that India could use the Chabahar route to support Baloch separatist groups. Its foreign office has accused India in the past of promoting unrest through the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), though New Delhi has always denied such claims. Pakistan’s spokesperson warned that any attempt to use the Chabahar facility to spread violence in Balochistan would be considered a violation of sovereignty. This reflects Islamabad’s growing insecurity as India’s footprint in the region expands.
Chabahar Port gives India a direct gateway to Afghanistan without depending on Pakistan’s land routes. This port, located in southeastern Iran, is crucial for India’s trade and energy ambitions. It also helps India build stronger links with Central Asia while keeping China’s Belt and Road projects in check. Analysts believe India’s steady work in Chabahar shows how diplomacy and strategy can merge to serve long-term national interests. The waiver has only strengthened India’s confidence in pursuing its independent foreign policy.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it “welcomes” Iran’s economic growth but warned India not to misuse the port to promote terrorism. The statement said, “We caution India not to use this route for sabotage. It has promoted cross-border terrorism before and should refrain from doing so again.” Islamabad accused India of trying to destabilize its border areas using trade as a cover. These allegations, however, have been firmly denied by New Delhi, which called them “baseless and politically motivated.”
India has so far avoided responding directly to Pakistan’s accusations. Officials in New Delhi said the Chabahar project is purely economic and aims to bring regional stability through trade. India maintains that its focus is on rebuilding connectivity with Afghanistan and developing regional supply chains. Experts say India’s calm silence shows maturity and confidence in its foreign policy — letting results speak louder than words. Meanwhile, work at the port continues smoothly under the new US waiver.
The Chabahar project could redefine South Asia’s trade map. For India, it’s an opportunity to lead a new economic corridor linking the Gulf, Central Asia, and Europe. For Iran, it’s a path to stability amid sanctions. But for Pakistan, it’s a reminder that its monopoly over regional trade routes is fading. As India strengthens ties with both Iran and Afghanistan, Pakistan’s strategic space keeps shrinking. The next few months will decide whether cooperation wins or suspicion deepens once again.
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