India-Iran Bilateral Relations
India and Iran share a historically deep civilisational relationship rooted in cultural, linguistic, and trade ties. In the modern context, the bilateral relationship is anchored in three pillars: energy trade, the Chabahar Port connectivity project, and Iran's role as a transit corridor to Afghanistan and Central Asia. India was among the largest importers of Iranian crude oil until 2019, when it halted purchases following the re-imposition of US sanctions after Washington's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. In May 2024, India signed a 10-year contract with Iran for the development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port, committing investments of $370 million through India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL).
- Iran's peak share in India's crude oil imports: ~11% (2016, during JCPOA period).
- India halted Iranian crude imports: 2019 (US sanctions re-imposed).
- Chabahar Port: Located in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province; provides India a sea-land route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
- 10-year Chabahar contract signed: May 2024; investment commitment: $370 million.
- India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL): Nodal agency for Chabahar development, under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- India-Iran bilateral trade as of October 2025: approximately $1.68 billion (reduced from pre-sanctions levels).
● Tracked since March 01, 2026 · last seen June 30, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
Plus 12 earlier mentions since March 01, 2026.