Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak Makes Historic First Visit to Iran’s Chabahar Port

In a significant step for India’s maritime outreach, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak has made its first-ever port call at Iran’s strategically located Chabahar port. The visit marks an important milestone in India–Iran maritime engagement and reflects New Delhi’s growing emphasis on naval diplomacy and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean and adjoining waters.

Sarthak, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at the Iranian port as part of its overseas deployment to the Gulf region, reinforcing India’s commitment to strengthening maritime ties with key regional partners.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak (ANI) | Firstpost

Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port

Chabahar occupies a unique position in regional geopolitics. Situated on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, it is Iran’s only ocean-facing port and serves as a critical gateway connecting South Asia with Afghanistan, Central Asia and Eurasia. For India, the port provides a vital alternative trade and transit route that bypasses Pakistan, enabling direct access to landlocked regions of strategic and economic importance.

Over the years, India has played an active role in developing and operationalising Chabahar as part of its broader connectivity vision. The port is also closely linked with the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to reduce time and cost in trade between India, Central Asia, Russia and Europe.

Strengthening India–Iran Maritime Cooperation

The port call by Sarthak is not merely symbolic but also operational in nature. During its stay, the vessel is engaging with Iranian maritime authorities through professional interactions, courtesy calls and joint activities. These engagements focus on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as maritime safety, search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement and marine pollution response.

Such interactions contribute to better coordination between maritime agencies and help build mutual trust, especially in a region that remains vital for global energy supplies and commercial shipping lanes.

Soft Power and Community Engagement

Beyond official engagements, the visit also reflects India’s use of soft power in maritime diplomacy. Cultural exchanges, sports activities and environmental awareness initiatives form part of the schedule, highlighting India’s commitment to people-to-people contact and marine conservation. Activities aligned with India’s Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, which promotes ocean cleanliness and environmental responsibility, underline the Coast Guard’s role beyond traditional security functions.

Part of a Broader Regional Outreach

The Chabahar visit follows Sarthak’s earlier engagements in the Gulf, including port calls in countries such as Kuwait. Together, these deployments demonstrate India’s intent to maintain a visible and constructive presence across the region, in line with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR visions. These frameworks emphasise cooperative security, shared prosperity and respect for international maritime norms.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s first-ever visit by an Indian Coast Guard vessel to Iran’s Chabahar port signals a steady consolidation of New Delhi’s maritime diplomacy and regional outreach. The arrival of the indigenously built ICG Ship Sarthak highlights India’s intent to remain actively engaged in the Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters, while reinforcing the strategic relevance of Chabahar as a critical connectivity hub. The port’s location offers India a vital trade and transit route to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond, bypassing traditional constraints and aligning closely with long-term initiatives such as the International North–South Transport Corridor. This engagement also reflects continuity in India’s investment—diplomatic, economic and strategic—in ensuring Chabahar’s operational and geopolitical viability.

At the operational level, Sarthak’s port call strengthens cooperation between Indian and Iranian maritime agencies in areas such as maritime safety, search and rescue, law enforcement and environmental protection. The emphasis on professional exchanges, alongside cultural and community-oriented activities, underlines India’s preference for a balanced approach that blends security cooperation with soft power outreach. Seen within the broader framework of SAGAR and MAHASAGAR, the visit reinforces India’s message of cooperative security, respect for international maritime norms and shared regional stability, particularly in a region central to global trade and energy flows.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, The Hindu)