After Chabahar Success, India Sets Sights On Managing Bangladesh's Mongla Port

India has shown interest in managing operations at Bangladesh's Mongla Port and constructing a new terminal there. This development comes amid China’s efforts to gain control over the strategically significant port.

If negotiations are successful, Mongla will become the third international seaport operated by India, following Chabahar Port in Iran and Sittwe in Myanmar, both managed by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).

IPGL was established as a special purpose vehicle jointly promoted by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Deendayal Port Trust (DPT) for the development and management of Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar in Iran.

India currently has transshipment access to both Chittagong and Mongla ports, facilitating cargo movement to northeastern states without the need for the 1,650-kilometre-long chicken's neck corridor.

Acquiring Mongla Port would give New Delhi access to ports in both the western and eastern parts of the Indian Ocean Region, enhancing India's strategic presence across the Indian Ocean.

Last month, a delegation from India Ports Global Limited, headed by managing director Sunil Mukundan, visited Mongla Port to conduct a thorough assessment of its operational facilities, according to a report by the Economic Times.

IPGL has been requested to submit a comprehensive proposal to the Mongla Port Authority for consideration. A representative from the Mongla Port Authority stated that the proposal would be evaluated for its profitability and, if found viable, would be forwarded to the government for a decision.

Mongla Port, one of Bangladesh's three sea ports, is renowned for being the most eco-friendly. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it sits at the confluence of the Possur River and Mongla Nulla, upstream from the Bay of Bengal.

The port currently operates container and bulk carrier vessels at its five jetties. Plans are underway to construct two additional jetties to accommodate the increased cargo volume resulting from transshipment facilities provided to India, Nepal, and Bhutan.