The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Sarthak, an offshore patrol vessel, entered Chabahar port in the Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) for a four-day visit till December 19.
Strategically located, Chabahar is a deep-water port that provides India with a direct maritime gateway to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
According to the Ministry of Defence, marking the first-ever visit of an Indian Coast Guard ship to Chabahar, the port call underscores India’s growing maritime engagement in the region and its ability to support secure supply lines to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The visit is aligned with India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR vision of fostering secure, cooperative and inclusive maritime engagements.
During the visit, ICG ship Sarthak will engage in a 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 in maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and marine pollution response. A marine pollution response demonstration in Chabahar harbour, focusing on oil spills and hazardous and noxious substances spills, will showcase coordinated response mechanisms. MRCC-to-MRCC coordination drills, a table-top exercise and joint visit, board, search and seizure drills will further enhance interoperability and operational preparedness between the two sides, it added.
In addition to professional engagements, the visit will feature sports fixtures and a beach walkathon with the participation of embarked National Cadet Corps cadets. These activities align with the national Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, aimed at promoting marine environmental awareness and coastal cleanliness.
The port call at Chabahar follows the ship’s earlier visit to Kuwait, where ICG ship Sarthak interacted with the Kuwait Coast Guard, highlighting the Indian Coast Guard’s expanding footprint and constructive engagement with regional maritime partners.
The four-day visit of 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.
