Source: The Economic Times
India is actively exploring opportunities to enhance its maritime presence and trade connectivity, he said in an interview.
Sonowal on Monday signed a 10-year pact with Iranian authorities for a longterm bilateral contract to operate Chabahar port. The project was first proposed during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s regime. “India aims to replicate the Chabahar model in other strategic locations by adhering to similar principles such as identifying ports in regions that offer economic advantages, investing in the modernisation and development of port infrastructure,” he told ET.
The project is seen as India’s regional strategic response to Gwadar port in Pakistan being developed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Under the agreement, India will procure, install, and operate key equipment at Chabahar, the first overseas port to be operated by the country.
“The long-term contract holds both commercial and strategic potential for India,” Sonowal said, adding that Chabahar offers a shorter, more direct route to Central Asia, reducing transportation time and costs.
He said the Chabahar port will enhance trade between India and Central Asian as well as the West Asian countries. “The port will act as a gateway for Indian goods, promoting economic integration and opening new markets for Indian businesses, especially in landlocked regions,” he added.
According to Sonowal, infrastructure upgrade is a key focus area for the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sector has seen significant transformation.
India is currently implementing a Rs 5.8 lakh crore Sagarmala port upgrade plan to modernise ports, improve connectivity, and develop inland waterways.
According to official estimates, there are 839 projects under this initiative, of which 262 have been completed, 217 are under implementation and the remaining 360 projects at the development stage.
“Our ports have seen huge improvement in capacity, operation and efficiency during the last 10 years,” he said. Sonowal acknowledged regional tensions could have some impact on Chabahar port’s operations but steps can be taken to mitigate the risks — “measures such as strengthening port security and collaborating with regional partners to ensure safe and secure operations.”
PROMOTING STABILITY
The minister said India will continue to engage diplomatically with regional stakeholders to manage tensions and promote stability.
“We will be implementing comprehensive risk management strategies to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions,” he said. The minister said Chabahar would be complementary to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) that New Delhi proposed at the G20 summit in the capital last year. IMEC offers alternative routes to stakeholders instead of the conventional Suez Canal course.
“By leveraging the infrastructure and logistical capabilities of Chabahar port, India can efficiently facilitate the flow of goods and materials, contributing to the success and viability of the IMEC project,” he said. Chabahar port’s strategic location reduces dependence on traditional transit points, he said. On Sittwe port in Myanmar, Sonowal said significant progress had been made in the development of facilities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had in April approved a proposal by India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) to take over operations at the port in the Bay of Bengal. “Sittwe port is operational, with successful trial runs completed, handling cargo and verifying logistical capabilities. Significant progress has been made in developing port facilities, warehouses, and improving connectivity to the hinterland,” Sonowal added.
