India keeps tabs on INSTC, Chabahar Port as Israel-Iran conflict rages

New Delhi: India is keeping a close watch for any impact on the Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

India sees the two connectivity projects in Iran as its gateways to Afghanistan, Central Asia and Russia. The country has also invested heavily in the port project.

Israel has so far not targeted any port in Iran but there are reports of some hits along the Iranian coast.


Last year, India entered into a 10-year deal with Iran for management of the Chabahar Port by an Indian entity, India Ports Global Ltd. IPGL, which is a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Kandla Port Trust, oversees Chabahar Port operations in partnership with Iran's Aria Banader. India's support for the Chabahar includes a $85 million investment for berth upgrades and a $150 million Exim Bank line of credit.

Even the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is focussing on Chabahar and exploring to join INSTC as it seeks to reduce dependence on Pakistani ports. Some Central Asian states have also shown interest.