India-Iran Energy Relations
India has historically been one of Iran's top three crude oil customers, importing substantial volumes before Western sanctions significantly complicated this relationship. India received waivers from the US "Significant Reduction Exemptions" (SRE) through May 2019, after which it stopped Iranian crude imports entirely. India has maintained diplomatic relations with Iran and views Iran's nuclear and security trajectory as directly relevant to India's energy security and regional stability.
- India-Iran crude imports at peak (2018): ~500,000 barrels/day (~11% of India's imports)
- India stopped Iran crude imports: May 2019 (after SRE waivers expired)
- India-Iran: engaged on Chabahar Port (India has developed the Shahid Beheshti terminal as a strategic connectivity project to Afghanistan/Central Asia)
- Chabahar received a partial US waiver from sanctions (renewed periodically) given India's strategic connectivity rationale
- Any removal of Iran sanctions as part of a 2026 deal could allow India to resume Iranian crude purchases — potentially at competitive prices
● Tracked since March 25, 2026 · last seen April 15, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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