In a clear show of solidarity with Afghanistan, India has delivered three container loads of vital humanitarian aid to Kabul through Iran’s Chabahar port today, despite mounting geopolitical pressure following the United States’ recent withdrawal of a key
sanctions’ waiver.
The shipment—handed over to Afghan authorities—includes food supplies, water purifiers, protein powder, tin sheets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, water tanks, generators, family tents, blankets, essential medicines, and other medical equipment.
This humanitarian effort comes just days after Washington announced it would revoke the 2018 waiver that had shielded India’s operations at Chabahar from US sanctions on Iran.
The waiver allowed New Delhi to use the strategic port to supply goods to landlocked Afghanistan and beyond, without falling foul of US penalties. The revocation is set to take effect from September 29, 2025, signalling a more stringent US approach toward dealings linked to Iran.
Despite the policy shift, India has moved ahead with the shipment, highlighting both the pressing humanitarian need in quake-hit Afghanistan and the strategic importance New Delhi places on maintaining the Chabahar corridor.
The Chabahar port has long been central to India’s regional connectivity goals, offering an alternative trade and transit route to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan.
The removal of the waiver introduces new challenges, but India’s continued engagement underlines its intent to treat Chabahar as more than just a trade outpost—it is a strategic and humanitarian artery.
India sends relief to Kabul via Chabahar amid US waiver withdrawal
The aid delivery comes at a critical moment. Eastern Afghanistan continues to reel from a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 1,100 lives and injured more than 3,000, according to relief agencies. The disaster has overwhelmed local response capacity, particularly in remote regions where damaged infrastructure hampers access.
Earlier this month, India sent 21 tonnes of relief via air, comprising tents, blankets, medical kits, and power generators. The latest sea-based consignment marks an expansion of India’s aid response and a deeper commitment to the Afghan people in crisis.
Sources in the Indian foreign ministry have confirmed that the implications of the U.S. move on Chabahar are under active review. Strategic analysts warn that the waiver’s removal could complicate future Indian involvement at the port, potentially exposing public and private operators to punitive measures under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA).
Nevertheless, India’s delivery today sends a firm message—that humanitarian obligations and regional stability will continue to guide its actions, even amid shifting global dynamics. For Afghanistan, this relief is more than just supplies; it is a reassurance that regional partners remain committed during its time of need.
