New Delhi, November 7: The United States on Tuesday exempted India from the imposition of certain sanctions for the development of the Chabahar port in Iran, along with the railway line connecting it with Afghanistan. This comes after the US administration imposed their toughest sanctions on Iran and is very restrictive in giving exemptions. However, eight countries were allowed to purchase oil from Iran- India, Italy, China, Greece, South Korea, Japan, Turkey and Taiwan. US Issues List of 8 Countries Exempted From 'Iran Oil Sanctions'.

“After extensive consideration, the US Secretary has provided for an exception from imposition of certain sanctions under Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 with respect to development of Chabahar Port and construction of an associated railway and for shipment of non-sanctionable goods through Port for Afghanistan’s use, as well as Afghanistan’s continued imports of Iranian petroleum products,” said US State Department spokesperson reported ANI.

“This exception relates to reconstruction assistance and economic development for Afghanistan These activities are vital for the ongoing support of Afghanistan’s growth and humanitarian relief. The President’s South Asia strategy underscores our ongoing support of Afghanistan’s economic growth and development as well as our close partnership with India.”

The US further said that it seeks to build a close relationship with India and Afghanistan as "we execute a policy of maximum pressure to change the Iranian regime’s destabilizing policies in the region and beyond," said US State Department Spokesperson.

This relief comes after India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entitles establishment of business corridor among three-nation using Chabahar Port in May 2016 and the US considers that India has a major role in bringing peace to Afghanistan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2018 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).