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Indian Coast Guard Makes History: First Ship Docks at Iran's Chabahar Port

The Indian Coast Guard ship Sarthak has made a historic first visit to Iran's strategically vital Chabahar port. This deep-water port is a key gateway for Indian trade and influence into Afghanistan and Central Asia. During the port call, the crew will conduct joint training exercises with Iranian forces on maritime safety and pollution response. The visit underscores India's commitment to expanding its maritime partnerships and securing regional supply lines.

Key Points: Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak Arrives at Iran's Chabahar Port

  • ICGS Sarthak's arrival marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Coast Guard vessel to Iran's Chabahar port
  • The strategic port offers India a direct maritime gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia
  • The visit includes joint training on search and rescue, law enforcement, and pollution response
  • The deployment strengthens India's SAGAR vision for cooperative maritime security in the region
3 min read

Indian Coast Guard ship Sarthak marks historic arrival in Iran's Chabahar port

ICGS Sarthak makes historic first visit to Iran's strategic Chabahar port, boosting India's maritime ties and regional trade corridors.

"This landmark visit marks the first-ever visit of an ICG Ship to the port of Chabahar, underscoring India's growing maritime engagement in the region. - Commandant Amit Uniyal, ICG PRO"

Tehran, Dec 17

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, entered the strategic port of Chabahar, Iran, as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to Gulf countries, officials said on Wednesday.

The ship entered the key port in Iran on Tuesday and will remain in port till December 19.

Chabahar, located on the northern flank of the Gulf of Oman, is a strategically placed deep-water port that offers India a direct maritime gateway to Iran, landlocked Afghanistan, and Central Asia, a shorter and geopolitically independent alternative to routes that transit Pakistan.

This connectivity enables New Delhi to expand trade and transit linkages, including linkages to the International North-South Transport Corridor.

"This landmark visit marks the first-ever visit of an ICG Ship to the port of Chabahar, underscoring India's growing maritime engagement in the region and strengthens New Delhi's ability to project economic influence, secure supply lines to Afghanistan and Central Asia, and present a competing development model in the region, consistent with India's SAGAR & MAHASAGAR vision of secure, cooperative maritime engagements," said Commandant Amit Uniyal, PRO, ICG.

During the port call, ICG Ship Sarthak will engage in a wide range of professional and community-oriented activities with the Iranian Navy and other Iranian maritime agencies.

These include courtesy calls and professional interactions, aimed at strengthening institutional linkages and enhancing mutual understanding in maritime safety and security.

Key highlights of the port call include joint training activities focusing on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and Marine Pollution Response (MPR).

"A marine pollution response demonstration in Chabahar harbour, targeting oil spills and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spills, will be conducted to showcase coordinated response mechanisms," the official said.

"MRCC-to-MRCC coordination drills, a table-top exercise, and joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills will further enhance interoperability and operational preparedness between the two sides," he added.

In addition to professional engagements, the visit will feature sports fixtures and a beach walkathon, with the participation of embarked National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, aligning with the national Puneet Sagar Abhiyan to promote marine environmental awareness and coastal cleanliness.

The port call at Chabahar follows the ship's earlier visit to Kuwait, where ICG Ship Sarthak successfully interacted with the Kuwait Coast Guard, further highlighting the Indian Coast Guard's expanding footprint and constructive engagement with regional maritime partners.

The historic visit of the ICG Ship Sarthak to Chabahar reflects India's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, promoting a rules-based maritime order, and contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the wider Indian Ocean Region and the Gulf.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see our maritime diplomacy in action. The joint exercises on pollution response and search & rescue are so important for regional safety. Also love the inclusion of NCC cadets for the beach walkathon - promoting environmental awareness is key!
R
Rohit P
While this is a positive step for trade and security, I hope we are also investing adequately in our own coastal infrastructure and fisherfolk welfare. Strategic partnerships abroad must be matched by strong support at home.
M
Michael C
Interesting development from an international perspective. India's growing maritime presence in the Gulf is a key factor in regional stability. The focus on environmental drills and a rules-based order is commendable.
S
Siddharth J
Jai Hind! This is what SAGAR vision looks like in practice. Building partnerships, ensuring secure sea lanes, and providing an alternative development model. Makes me proud of our foreign policy and naval capabilities.
K
Kavya N
The International North-South Transport Corridor could be a game-changer for Indian exports. Reducing dependency on traditional routes through strategic investments like Chabahar is smart long-term thinking. More power to our diplomats and coast guard!

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