While India has acquired the operational rights of Chabakar Port in Iran and Chitwe Port in Myanmar, it has also acquired the operational rights of Mongla Port in Bangladesh. This is seen as crucial in the match against China. Check out a news package on this.
The Indian Ocean region is crucial for China to fulfill its Maritime Silk Road ambitions.
From Gwadar in Pakistan to Djibouti in East Africa, China is making significant investments in ports. China is actively pursuing at least 17 Indian Ocean ports. 13 of them are directly involved in the construction of ports.
Also, not a single Indian port has featured in the world’s top 10 ports in terms of container traffic. But six ports in China are on this list. In this, India is seriously trying to break the dominance of China.
India is increasing its influence in key maritime locations in the western and eastern parts of the Indian Ocean. India has also intensified measures to strengthen the security of the country’s maritime borders.
As part of that. Although India has acquired the operating rights of Bangladesh’s Mongla Port, the details of the deal are yet to emerge. An official announcement on the Mongla port deal is expected soon.
However, reports suggest that Indian Port Global Limited (IPGL) will manage the terminal at Mongla Port.
The port is located at the confluence of the Bosur River and the Mongla Nullah, upstream from the Bay of Bengal, in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. The port plays an important role in shipping cargo to India, Bhutan and Nepal. And India is now upgrading this port to handle additional containerized cargo.
Last month, a team of Indian Port Global Limited (IPGL) company representatives evaluated the operational facilities of Mongla Port and submitted a project proposal to the Mongla Port Authority.
In this context, India has acquired the right to manage the Mongla port with the aim of promoting economic integration and development in South Asia.
It is said that the port will act as a major link for trade between India, Bangladesh and other neighboring countries and the improved port infrastructure will facilitate the movement of goods, reduce transport costs and boost economic activity in the region.
