US Attacks Leave Chabahar Port Terminal Unharmed, Says India

New Delhi, July 17: India has confirmed that the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Iran’s strategically important Chabahar Port has remained unharmed despite recent US military strikes targeting locations linked to Iran. The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the security of regional infrastructure and the future of India’s connectivity projects in West Asia.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that while reports suggested the Chabahar region had been targeted during the latest phase of American military operations, the section of the port operated by India had not sustained any damage.

India Reassures on Strategic Infrastructure

Responding to media queries during a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian operated terminal continues to remain safe.

He noted that although reports of attacks near the port had surfaced, available information indicates that the Shahid Beheshti Terminal escaped any physical damage. The clarification offers reassurance for India’s trade and connectivity interests linked to the project.

The statement comes at a time when tensions across West Asia remain elevated following renewed military action involving the United States and Iran.

US Military Action Raises Concerns

According to US officials, American forces carried out strikes on facilities associated with the Chabahar region during the latest military campaign targeting Iranian assets.

The development triggered questions about the safety of India’s investments at the port, which has become a cornerstone of New Delhi’s regional connectivity strategy.

Indian authorities, however, have emphasized that operations at the terminal have not been affected by the reported strikes.

Sanctions Waiver No Longer in Force

The External Affairs Ministry also addressed questions regarding the US sanctions waiver that had previously allowed India to continue developing the Chabahar project.

Officials confirmed that the exemption expired earlier this year and discussions are continuing with relevant stakeholders to determine the future course of cooperation.

The government indicated that diplomatic engagement remains underway to ensure that India’s strategic and commercial interests are safeguarded despite changing geopolitical circumstances.

Importance of Chabahar for India

Chabahar Port occupies a vital position in India’s regional trade strategy.

Located on Iran’s southeastern coast, the port provides India with a direct maritime gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia without relying on transit through Pakistan.

The project has long been viewed as a strategic alternative for expanding regional connectivity while strengthening economic partnerships across Eurasia.

India has invested significantly in developing infrastructure at the Shahid Beheshti Terminal, which serves as the principal facility under Indian management.

Gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor

The port is also expected to play a major role in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), an ambitious multimodal transport network connecting India with Iran, Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe.

Stretching approximately 7,200 kilometres, the corridor aims to reduce transportation costs and shorten cargo transit times by combining sea, rail and road networks.

Successful integration of Chabahar into the INSTC is expected to improve India’s access to emerging markets while diversifying international trade routes.

India Calls for Protection of Civilian Infrastructure

During the briefing, the MEA reiterated India’s consistent position on the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The government stressed that civilian infrastructure should never become a target during military operations and emphasized the importance of respecting international humanitarian principles.

India has repeatedly advocated dialogue, restraint and diplomatic engagement as the preferred path for resolving regional disputes.

Strategic Significance Remains Intact

Experts believe the confirmation that the terminal remains operational removes immediate concerns about disruptions to India’s overseas infrastructure investments.

Although regional instability continues to pose challenges, the absence of damage ensures that Chabahar remains available for commercial activities and future connectivity initiatives.

The development also underscores the importance of protecting critical transport infrastructure during periods of geopolitical conflict.