Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak, a coastal patrol vessel, arrived at Chabahar Port in Iran on December 16, 2025 for a four-day visit. (Indian Coast Guard via Twitter) | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, a coastal patrol vessel, entered Chabahar port in the Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday (16 December 2025) for a four-day visit till 19 December.
Strategically located, Chabahar is a deepwater port that provides India with a direct sea gateway to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Coast Guard ship to Chabahar, the port call underscores India’s growing naval engagement in the region and its ability to support secure supply lines to Afghanistan and Central Asia, according to the Defense Ministry. The visit is in line with SAGAR and MAHASAGAR India’s vision of promoting safe, cooperative and inclusive maritime engagements.
During the visit, ICG Sarthak will engage in a number 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 ties and enhancing mutual understanding in the field of maritime safety and security.
The main highlights of the port challenge include joint training activities in maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and marine pollution response. The Chabahar Port Marine Pollution Response Demonstration, focusing on oil spills and releases of hazardous and harmful substances, will demonstrate coordinated response mechanisms. MRCC-to-MRCC coordination exercises, tabletop exercises and joint visits, on-board exercises, search and seizure will further enhance interoperability and operational readiness between the two sides, he added.
In addition to professional events, the visit will include sports matches and a beach walkathon with the participation of deployed National Cadet Corps cadets. These activities are in line with the national Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, which aims to promote marine awareness and coastal cleanliness.
The port call at Chabahar follows the ship’s earlier visit to Kuwait where ICG Ship Sarthak interacted with the Kuwaiti Coast Guard and highlighted the growing footprint of the Indian Coast Guard and constructive cooperation with regional maritime partners.
ICG Sarthak’s four-day visit to Chabahar reflects India’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, promoting a rules-based maritime order and contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development in the wider Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf region.
Published – 17 Dec 2025 20:05 IST
