Chabahar port terminal has not faced damage after US strikes: MEA

India’s Chabahar project is strategically important as it provides access to Afghanistan and Central Asia

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2026 Planet Labs PBC

India has said the Chabahar port terminal in Iran has not suffered any damage despite reports of US strikes in the region, while confirming that discussions are underway with relevant stakeholders on the future of operations after the expiry of a US sanctions waiver.Responding to reports that the port had come under attack, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday the Shahid Beheshti terminal, which is operated by India, remained unaffected.“We have seen some reports. But we can tell you that the terminal itself did not face any damage,” Jaiswal said.The clarification came after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth shared an image on social media platform X appearing to show the collapse of a tower at Chabahar following American strikes, with the caption, “Iran does not control the SoH” — an apparent reference to the Strait of Hormuz. The post fuelled speculation over the extent of damage to the port.Jaiswal also said India was engaging with stakeholders on the future of the project after the lapse of the US sanctions waiver that had allowed New Delhi to continue work at the port.“There was a waiver given by the US side. That waiver got over some time back. Post that, we have been in discussions with relevant stakeholders on how to take this forward,” he said.The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region following US military action against Iran, raising concerns over the safety of critical infrastructure and key trade routes.India’s Chabahar project is strategically important as it provides access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL), a government-owned company, operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal under a long-term agreement with Iran.The project is also a key component of India’s connectivity strategy through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), aimed at improving trade links with Central Asia, Russia and Europe.The US had earlier exempted Chabahar from certain sanctions on Iran, recognising its role in supporting Afghanistan’s economic development. However, the waiver expired in April this year, effectively bringing fresh Indian project activity at the port to a halt pending further clarity.Published on July 17, 2026