Chabahar Port Remains Unharmed After US Airstrikes on Iran, Confirms MEA

New Delhi, July 2026 : India on Friday confirmed that the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Iran’s Chabahar Port, developed with Indian assistance, has not suffered any damage despite recent US airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, providing reassurance over the future of one of New Delhi’s most strategically important overseas connectivity projects.

Addressing the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had reviewed reports of the American strikes and confirmed that operations at the India-developed terminal remained unaffected.

Responding to questions regarding comments by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had shared images on social media showing infrastructure being hit during American strikes, Jaiswal clarified that while reports of attacks had emerged, the Chabahar terminal itself had escaped damage.

“Regarding Chabahar, there was a waiver granted by the American side, which expired some time ago. Since then, we have been engaging with the relevant stakeholders on how to move the issue forward. We have seen reports regarding the recent attacks, but we can confirm that the terminal itself has not suffered any damage,” Jaiswal said.

The clarification comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a series of US military strikes on Iranian targets. Although some reports suggested infrastructure in and around the strategic port area had been affected, India has now confirmed that the facilities it operates remain intact.

India’s role at Chabahar has acquired increasing geopolitical significance over the past decade. Situated on the Gulf of Oman, the port provides India with direct access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe, bypassing Pakistan. It also serves as a critical component of India’s regional connectivity strategy and complements the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Last October, the United States granted India a six-month waiver from sanctions related to Chabahar Port, recognising its importance for regional connectivity and economic development. The exemption remained in force until April 29, after which New Delhi began consultations with relevant stakeholders regarding the project’s future.

Earlier this year, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi described Chabahar as a symbol of the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Iran, while expressing confidence that the port would emerge as a major gateway connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Europe.

Speaking after the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Araghchi acknowledged that progress at the port had slowed because of US sanctions but voiced optimism that India would continue investing in the project.

“Chabahar Port is one of the symbols of cooperation between Iran and India. We are pleased that India has played a significant role in its development. Although progress has slowed because of sanctions, I am confident the port will become a golden gateway for India to access Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe,” he had said.

He also underlined India’s growing diplomatic influence in the region, saying New Delhi enjoys strong relations with countries across the Persian Gulf and can play an important role in promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation.

The strategic partnership between India and Iran received another boost earlier when the two countries signed a 10-year agreement for the operation of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar. Under the agreement, India committed USD 250 million in credit facilities to modernise port infrastructure and expand operational capacity.

The long-term plan also includes integrating Chabahar with Iran’s national railway network through a 700-kilometre rail link to Zahedan, significantly improving cargo movement into Central Asia and strengthening regional trade corridors.

With the MEA confirming that the terminal remains unaffected despite the recent conflict, India’s flagship overseas infrastructure project continues to retain its strategic importance, reinforcing New Delhi’s vision of expanding regional connectivity while securing reliable trade routes beyond its immediate neighbourhood.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)