India to expand overseas port operations, wins rights to operate a port terminal in Bangladesh

NEW DELHI : Following successful agreements for Chabahar Port in Iran and Sittwe in Myanmar, India is set to operate a terminal at Mongla port in Bangladesh. This will be the third overseas port operation by India as New Delhi rapidly sheds reticence in foraying abroad to expand its commercial interests in the ports and shipping sector. 

The terminal at Mongla will be managed by India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL). A senior official from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that IPGL will henceforth be the preferred entity for India’s international port operations.

Mongla is Bangladesh’s second-largest port. It lies close to the shore of the Bay of Bengal and the Pashur River.

Bangladeshi ports have been groaning under soaring traffic volumes in recent years, in line with the country’s emergence as a significant exporter, particularly for garments. Significant expansion has been earmarked for all of the country’s major ports.