India is in intensive diplomatic discussions with the United States to ensure the continuation of its operations at Iran's strategically vital Chabahar Port, despite US sanctions on Tehran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed on January 16, 2026, that India is actively engaging with the US to work out an arrangement regarding the conditional sanctions waiver, which is set to expire on April 26, 2026. The NDTV article accurately reflects India's determined stance not to abandon the Chabahar Port project, which is considered a cornerstone for India's outreach to Afghanistan and Central Asia, providing a crucial trade route bypassing Pakistan. This commitment was underscored by a 10-year agreement signed between India and Iran in May 2024, aiming to provide long-term certainty to India's involvement in developing and operating the Shahid Beheshti terminal at the port. Recent reports from some media outlets had suggested that India might be forced to withdraw from Chabahar due to escalating US tariffs and the nearing expiry of the waiver. However, the MEA explicitly refuted these claims, asserting that India has not decided to exit the project. The ongoing negotiations with the US represent India's efforts to find a 'middle path' that balances its strategic interests with the complexities of the international sanctions regime. The port is also a key node in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), enhancing its regional significance.