Nidhish Waghmare
In a significant geopolitical maneuver, India has secured the operational rights to a terminal at Bangladesh’s Mongla Port. This development marks a critical step in India’s efforts to enhance its maritime presence and counter China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Boosting Maritime Influence
The terminal at Mongla Port will be managed by Indian Port Global Limited (IPGL), adding to India’s growing portfolio of foreign ports, which already includes Chabahar in Iran and Sittwe in Myanmar.
This strategic acquisition is expected to boost India’s maritime race to gain quasi-control over key regional ports, an area where China has made substantial investments under its Maritime Silk Road initiative.
Countering China’s Dominance
China’s influence in the Indian Ocean has been formidable, with active involvement in at least 17 ports and direct construction of 13. This dominance is underscored by the presence of six Chinese ports among the world’s top 10 in terms of container traffic.
In contrast, no Indian port features on this list, highlighting the need for strategic expansions like Mongla.
Expert Insights
C Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies, emphasized the significance of this move. “The progress by Indian companies in Iran and Myanmar has been uneven due to geopolitical factors. Hopefully, Mongla will allow for the speedy execution of the agreement,” he stated.
The operational success at Mongla could provide a template for India’s future maritime endeavors, reinforcing its role in regional security and trade.
Implications for Regional Security
India’s control over Mongla Port is seen as a strategic counterbalance to China’s port diplomacy. “Building and managing ports is a form of ‘port diplomacy’ – a refurbished national power tool – which is acquiring strategic significance,” Bhaskar added. This move signals India’s intent to strengthen its maritime infrastructure and secure vital trade routes.
India’s acquisition of operational rights at Mongla Port marks a significant milestone in its strategic maritime ambitions. As India continues to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean, this victory over China underscores the importance of port diplomacy in modern geopolitics. The successful management of Mongla could pave the way for more strategic gains in the future.
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