MONGLA PORT

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.maritimegateway.com/mongla-will-be-the-third-international-port-operation-for-india/

Context: India is considering operating the Mongla Port in Bangladesh and constructing a new terminal to counterbalance China's strategic presence in the region.

Key Highlights

• The Port of Mongla serves as a crucial gateway for Bangladesh's maritime trade, offering strategic advantages due to its location and connectivity.
• Mongla Port's positioning at the confluence of the Pasur River and the Mongla River, close to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, makes it strategically important for trade and commerce in the region.
• For India, Mongla Port provides a vital route for accessing its northeastern states like Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya. These states are geographically isolated from the mainland, and having access to Mongla Port significantly reduces transportation costs and distance for goods destined to and from these regions.
• The operation of Mongla Port by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) reflects the growing economic ties between India and Bangladesh. IPGL's interest in operating the port highlights the potential for enhanced trade cooperation and infrastructure development between the two countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Bangladesh in 2015 for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports demonstrates a commitment to enhancing connectivity and trade facilitation. The MoU aims to streamline the transit of goods from Mongla Port to India's northeastern states through various transportation modes, including waterways, roads, and railways.

Source:

Economictimes

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How has the issue of water-sharing, particularly regarding the Teesta River, impacted bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh in recent years? What are the key points of contention, and what potential solutions have been proposed to resolve this long-standing dispute?