India-Operated Terminal At Iran's Chabahar Port Not Damaged In US Strikes: MEA

Last Updated:July 18, 2026, 00:22 IST

Chabahar provides India with direct access to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, which denies India land transit routes.

India on Friday said the terminal it operates at Iran’s Chabahar Port was not damaged in the US strikes on the strategic maritime facility.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Shahid Beheshti terminal, managed by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), remained unaffected after reports of attacks on the port emerged. The clarification came after the US carried out strikes on Chabahar Port as part of its military action against Iran.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also shared footage that appeared to show damage to the facility. Washington said the strikes destroyed the Shahid Kalantari terminal at the port, which is separate from the Shahid Beheshti terminal operated by India.

India Says Terminal Remains Safe

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was aware of reports regarding the strikes but confirmed that the terminal operated by India had not suffered any damage.

“We have seen some reports in that regard, but we can also tell you that the terminal itself did not face any damage," Jaiswal said while responding to questions on the strikes.

The Shahid Beheshti terminal is operated by IPGL, a wholly owned subsidiary of India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), under a 10-year renewable agreement with Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

The Chabahar port has two main terminals — Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari — with India managing operations at Shahid Beheshti.

India’s Strategic Stakes At Chabahar Port

India and Iran have been developing Chabahar as a key trade and connectivity hub, particularly to improve access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port is also seen as an important part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal transport network connecting India with Iran, Russia, Europe and parts of Central Asia.

Jaiswal also reiterated India’s position that civilian infrastructure should not be targeted during conflicts. He said India has been in discussions with relevant stakeholders after a US waiver allowing certain activities at Chabahar under sanctions rules expired.

“There was a waiver which was given by America and that waiver got over some time back. Post that, we have been in discussion with relevant stakeholders as to how to take this particular issue forward," he said.

Chabahar holds strategic importance for India as it provides an alternative trade route to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, which does not allow Indian goods transit through its territory.

(With inputs from PTI)

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