‘No damage to terminal in U.S. attacks on Chabahar’, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• India confirmed that the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Iran's Chabahar Port, which it operates, sustained no damage from recent U.S. strikes.
• U.S. officials acknowledged striking the Chabahar Port as part of a renewed military campaign against Iran.
• The Chabahar Port is being jointly developed by India and Iran to enhance connectivity and trade ties.
• Both India and Iran advocate for the port's integration into the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Chabahar.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The U.S. strikes, which occurred on Friday, July 17, 2026, were part of a broader campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and other facilities.
• While India's operated Shahid Beheshti terminal remained undamaged, reports indicated that a surveillance tower at the Shahid Kalantari terminal, another part of the Chabahar Port, might have collapsed due to the strikes.
• India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized the importance of not targeting civilian infrastructure during conflicts.
• The Chabahar Port is strategically vital for India, providing an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
• India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) has been operating the Shahid Beheshti terminal since 2018, with a 10-year agreement signed in May 2024 for its development and operation.
• The port serves as a counterweight to China's influence in the region, particularly in relation to Pakistan's Gwadar Port.
• The U.S. strikes are reportedly aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities and holding it accountable for actions affecting commercial shipping, especially in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Chabahar Port: Iran's only oceanic port, located on the Gulf of Oman, developed by India and Iran to boost regional trade and connectivity.
• Shahid Beheshti Terminal: The specific deep-water terminal at Chabahar Port that is operated and developed by India Ports Global Limited.
• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): A 7,200 km multi-modal network connecting India, Iran, Russia, and Europe, aiming to reduce transit time and costs for freight movement.