New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said India's strategic interests in Iran's Chabahar Port remain under discussion with relevant
stakeholders after the expiry of the US sanctions waiver, while confirming that the port's terminal has not suffered any damage despite reports of a recent American strike on Chabahar. Responding to a Times Now query during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to engage with the concerned parties following the expiration of the US waiver that had allowed New Delhi to operate and develop the strategically important port despite sanctions on Iran. "Regarding Chabahar, if you have been following the issue, there was a waiver granted by the American side, which expired some time ago. Since then, we have been in discussions with the relevant stakeholders on how to take this matter forward," Jaiswal said. Addressing reports that Chabahar had come under attack amid the escalating US-Iran conflict, Jaiswal clarified that while India had seen the reports, the Shahid Beheshti terminal, where India has invested, was not damaged. "On your question about the reported attack, yes, we have seen those reports. However, we can confirm that the terminal itself did not suffer any damage," he added. His remarks come after reports emerged of US strikes in and around Chabahar as the conflict between Washington and Tehran intensified. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also shared visuals on social media linked to the strikes, while reports suggested infrastructure near the port was hit. However, Indian officials have now clarified that the terminal operated by India remains unaffected.
Why Chabahar Matters for India
Located on Iran's southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar Port is central to India's connectivity strategy, providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. India has invested significantly in the Shahid Beheshti terminal and has viewed the project as a critical component of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
The project had previously operated under a US sanctions waiver, which expired earlier this year. Since then, New Delhi has maintained that it is engaged in consultations with both Washington and Tehran regarding the future of the project.
The MEA's latest comments indicate that despite the deteriorating security situation in West Asia, India is continuing diplomatic efforts to safeguard its strategic and economic interests linked to the port.
The clarification also comes as the US-Iran conflict has expanded beyond military targets, raising concerns over maritime infrastructure and key shipping routes in the region. While reports suggested explosions in Chabahar during recent hostilities, India's confirmation that the operational terminal remains intact is likely to reassure stakeholders involved in the project.
