India has achieved a significant strategic advantage by acquiring operational rights to a terminal at Mongla Port, Bangladesh's main seaport. This development has enormous ramifications for regional dynamics and strengthens India's maritime influence, especially in the Indian Ocean. It also forms part of India's border policy to resist China's expanding influence in the area. This plan builds on India's earlier successful bids to handle overseas ports, such as Chabahar in Iran and Sittwe in Myanmar. The details of the Mongla port contract are unknown, although sources indicate that Indian Port Global Limited (IPGL) will operate the terminal. Despite being relatively new to the global port management scene, India has begun to make considerable investments in the field. The management of the Mongla port terminal is projected to greatly improve India's trade linkages and regional influence. Bangladesh granted India full transit and cargo shipping access to its Chittagong and Mongla ports in 2018, boosting bilateral trade. China, on the other hand, has been actively increasing its influence across the Indian Ocean through its Maritime Silk Road plan, with investments in ports ranging from Gwadar in Pakistan to Djibouti in East Africa.
The only supply chain registration you need
Unrivaled context behind every news and article for free.
Anamika Mishra,
Sub Editor
