Modi’s Foreign Policy in Trouble: Chabahar Port Sanctions and Saudi–Pakistan Pact Create New Challenges

In just one day, two big international developments have created serious problems for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. The first came from the United States, and the second from Saudi Arabia. Both could have long-term effects on India’s security and global strategy.

The United States has decided to remove the special waiver it gave India to work on Iran’s Chabahar port. For India, this port is very important because it gives direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without depending on Pakistan. It is also seen as a counter to Pakistan’s Gwadar port, which China is developing. Now that the waiver is gone, India risks facing American sanctions if it continues working on the project. This could stop banks and companies from investing, and India’s big connectivity plan to Central Asia may collapse, leaving the field open for China and Pakistan.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a new defense agreement. This pact clearly says that if one country is attacked, the other will help in defense. For India, this is a warning sign. If there is ever a conflict between India and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia could join in support of Pakistan. Since Pakistan already has China on its side, this new deal could create a dangerous alliance of Pakistan, China, and Saudi Arabia against India.

These two developments show how difficult India’s position is becoming in world politics. On one side, India needs good relations with the US to strengthen its role in the Indo-Pacific. On the other, it cannot afford to lose Iran, which is vital for trade routes and energy security. Now with Saudi Arabia moving closer to Pakistan, India may find its influence in West Asia shrinking.

For Modi, the challenge is clear: he must find a way to balance these pressures and protect India’s strategic interests. The Chabahar setback and the Saudi–Pakistan pact are strong reminders that managing foreign policy requires more than bold speeches — it demands careful, steady diplomacy.