Modi Government Safeguards Iran's Chabahar Port Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

In the wake of the recent Iran-Israel conflict, which has escalated tensions across the Middle East and Central Asia, India's Chabahar Port has emerged as a significant strategic asset that remained unscathed. Despite the proximity of the conflict, the Modi government's diplomatic efforts have played a critical role in ensuring the safety and operational continuity of this key port, unlike the situation faced by Pakistan's Gwadar Port, which experienced increased pressure during the hostilities.

The Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran, has been a focal point of India's strategic and economic ambitions in the region. With an investment of approximately $550 million, India aims to enhance trade routes and counterbalance geopolitical rivals like China and Pakistan. According to Dr. Aditi Sharma, Professor of International Relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University, "Chabahar represents India's commitment to securing its interests in a geopolitically sensitive area, particularly given the strategic competition with China in the region."

Historically, the Chabahar Port has been crucial for India as it facilitates access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, providing an alternative to the Pakistan-centric routes. Despite the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, which saw missile exchanges and significant military escalation, the port remained operational. On June 15, 2025, as the conflict intensified, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged diplomatically, receiving a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and subsequently urging Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to seek de-escalation. This neutral diplomatic stance has been pivotal, allowing India to maintain its investments and operational activities at Chabahar while avoiding entanglement in the conflict.

In stark contrast, Pakistan's Gwadar Port, situated approximately 170 kilometers from Chabahar, felt the repercussions of the ongoing conflict. As reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan closed all border crossings with Iran, including those vital for trade operations in Gwadar. This closure not only impacted the port's operational capacity but also strained food supplies in the region, leading to increased local unrest.

The strategic implications of the Chabahar Port extend beyond mere economic advantages. According to a report by the Brookings Institution published in April 2025, the port is integral to India's broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity and counterbalance China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which prominently features the Gwadar Port. The report emphasizes that India’s continued support for Chabahar is essential for maintaining its influence in the region amid growing Chinese presence.

Moreover, during the peak of the Iran-Israel war, global shipping rates escalated, with air freight increasing by 15% and ocean freight surging by $1,000 per TEU. Yet, operations at Chabahar continued as usual, showcasing its resilience amidst crisis. This operational continuity is attributed to the nuanced diplomatic approach adopted by the Modi government, which, unlike the U.S. or Russia, has managed to maintain a neutral position that benefits its strategic interests in the region.

As the conflict persists, the future of the Chabahar Port remains intricately linked to the geopolitical dynamics of the region. Experts suggest that continued investment and diplomatic engagement will be crucial for India to leverage the port's strategic potential fully. The situation underscores the importance of diplomatic agility in navigating complex international landscapes, particularly in volatile regions like the Middle East.

In summary, the Modi government's proactive diplomatic measures have successfully shielded the Chabahar Port from the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, reinforcing India's strategic foothold in a region rife with geopolitical tensions. The implications of this situation are profound, as they not only affect regional trade dynamics but also shape the future of India’s foreign policy and international relations in Central Asia and beyond.