Amid escalating tensions in the Iran-Israel conflict, India is evaluating the use of Iran's Chabahar Port as an alternative to Bandar Abbas to safeguard trade routes.

Exporters have urged the government to shift operations to Chabahar to ensure uninterrupted trade with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia. Chabahar is strategically important, especially after India signed a 10-year agreement last year, assigning its management to India Ports Global Ltd. A high-level meeting chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal included officials from key ministries, revenue and aviation departments, exporters, and logistics stakeholders to assess the situation. While the Strait of Hormuz remains stable and Bandar Abbas is currently operational, authorities are closely monitoring freight and insurance rates for any disruptions. The proactive consideration of Chabahar reflects India’s broader strategy to diversify trade routes and strengthen connectivity with the region, especially in light of potential conflict-related risks in the existing shipping corridors.