Iran Protests Threaten India's Chabahar Port Operations, Sparking Strategic Concerns

• Widespread protests in over 100 Iranian cities are causing uncertainty for India's Chabahar Port investment.
• Intelligence sources warn of potential delays in cargo handling and infrastructure development due to strikes, internet blackouts, and supply-chain disruptions.
• Chabahar Port is crucial for India's continental access, Connect Central Asia Policy, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Instability threatens the Chabahar–Zahedan railway project and could allow China to expand influence, countering India's strategic interests.
• New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation, as Iranian instability directly challenges a critical Indian overseas investment.

Why It Matters: Iran's ongoing protests pose significant strategic and economic risks to India's Chabahar Port operations.