Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak Makes First-Ever Visit To Iran’s Chabahar Port, Underscoring Strategic Maritime Ties

In a significant boost to India–Iran maritime cooperation, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarthak has arrived at Iran’s strategically vital Chabahar port, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Coast Guard vessel to the facility.

The port call, from December 16 to 19, 2025, is being seen as a major milestone in strengthening professional engagement, maritime security cooperation, and India’s strategic interests in the region.

Why is ICGS Sarthak in Chabahar?

The visit is part of Sarthak’s ongoing deployment to Gulf countries and provides a platform for structured interactions between Indian and Iranian maritime forces.

During its stay, the crew of the offshore patrol vessel will engage with the Iranian Navy and other maritime agencies through a series of joint activities, including training exercises focused on search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and marine pollution response.

What would the ship and crew do at Chabahar?

Officials said the primary objective of these exercises is to enhance coordination, interoperability, and mutual understanding in dealing with common maritime challenges.

As shipping traffic increases in the northern Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, cooperation in areas such as emergency response, environmental protection, and law enforcement at sea has become increasingly important.

What is the broader strategic significance of the ship’s visit?

Beyond the operational aspects, the visit carries broader strategic significance, particularly in the context of Chabahar port’s importance to India.

Located on Iran’s southeastern coast, Chabahar is Iran’s only oceanic port and provides direct access to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the congested Strait of Hormuz.

For India, the port is a critical gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and beyond, allowing New Delhi to access regional markets without transiting through Pakistan.

How is India actively involved in Chabahar development?

India has been actively involved in the development and operation of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar as part of its long-term connectivity strategy.

The port is a key pillar of India’s efforts to enhance regional trade, promote economic integration with Central Asia, and counterbalance competing infrastructure initiatives in the region.

Chabahar is also linked to the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to provide a faster and more cost-effective trade route between India, Iran, Russia, and Europe.

Why is Chabahar important for India and the region?

From a security perspective, Chabahar’s location near major sea lanes of communication makes it strategically important for maritime domain awareness and the safety of global trade routes.

India’s engagement at the port aligns with its broader vision of being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, while supporting stability and rules-based order at sea.

How is ICGS Sarthak’s visit a calibrated approach?

The visit of ICGS Sarthak also reflects India’s calibrated approach to maintaining a strong and constructive presence in the Gulf region through maritime diplomacy.

By focusing on practical cooperation such as search and rescue, pollution control, and law enforcement, India is reinforcing trust and confidence-building measures with regional partners.

Overall, the historic port call at Chabahar underscores the growing depth of India–Iran maritime engagement, highlights Chabahar’s enduring strategic relevance for India, and signals New Delhi’s commitment to safeguarding regional trade routes while contributing to maritime security and stability in the wider Indian Ocean region.