Before the US sanctions hammer fell in 2019, Iran stood as India’s second-largest oil supplier in spite of its iron-fisted, theocratic yet pragmatic regime. Chahbahar in particular was functioning as a hub of Indian trade connections conveniently bypassing Pakistan and reaching further North and Northwest, to anchor the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). [10] “Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL),” Indian Oil, 2026, https://iocl.com/chennai-petroleum-corporation-limited. Accessed on March 25, 2026. Accessed on March 25, 2026.

Source: Indian Express March 27, 2026 18:26 UTC