- The acquisition of the operational rights to Bangladesh’s terminal at Mongla Port in the Indian Ocean gave India yet another significant strategic win over China.
- China currently has six ports in the world’s top 10 list of ports, but none of the Indian ports are listed in the top 10 based on worldwide container traffic.
- The advancement of Indian enterprises in Iran and Myanmar has been uneven due to numerous geopolitical variables, so the Mongla port deal in Bangladesh has brought a new glimmer of trust.
The acquisition of the operational rights to Bangladesh’s terminal at Mongla Port in the Indian Ocean gave India yet another significant strategic win over China. The most recent development will substantially accelerate India’s maritime competition to obtain quasi-control over foreign ports in the context of China’s aim of increasing its influence. The rights of the operations at the Mongla in Bangladesh are India’s third successful bid to manage an overseas port in recent years, following Chabahar in Iran and Sittwe in Myanmar. The reports suggested that the terminal will be managed by Indian Port Global Limited (IPGL)
India plans to increase its power over important Indian Ocean maritime locations
Chinese Influence
China currently has six ports in the world’s top 10 list of ports, but none of the Indian ports are listed in the top 10 based on worldwide container traffic. China is also a major player in at least 17 ports in the Indian Ocean. China is directly participating in the construction of 13 of the 17 ports.
Indian Ocean region, is the key to China’s maritime Silk Road initiative. From Gwadar in Pakistan to Djibouti in East Africa, China has substantial investments in ports, a sector where India remains a lightweight.
India’s journey
Geopolitical and security concerns hampered India’s development of the Chabahar and Sittwe ports over the years. The advancement of Indian enterprises in Iran and Myanmar has been uneven due to numerous geopolitical variables, so the Mongla port in Bangladesh has brought a new glimmer of trust that the deal will be implemented quickly.
With the latest arrangement at Mongla port, India is hoping to broaden its control over critical marine sites on the western and eastern sides of the Indian Ocean, as well as strengthen its position in regional security.
References:
- Saha, Razon Chandra. “Port development in Bangladesh.” European Journal of Business and Management 7, no. 7 (2015): 392-399.
- Pattanaik, Smruti S. “Engaging the Asian Giants: India, China and Bangladesh’s Crucial Balancing Act.” Issues & Studies 55, no. 02 (2019): 1940003.
Parag Gilada