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The United States is considering developing a port in Bangladesh under the Quad Ports for Future programme as part of its strategy to strengthen its footprint in the Bay of Bengal and counter China’s growing influence in the region. However, the move could raise sensitivities for India.
According to sources, U.S. officials held an initial round of talks in Dhaka this week with relevant stakeholders. Before proceeding, Washington plans to carry out a feasibility study to assess the viability of the project. Earlier reports also noted increased U.S. military activity around the strategically significant Chittagong area.
Interestingly, despite the initiative falling under the Quad framework, India is not yet involved in the U.S. plan for Bangladesh. New Delhi, on its part, is exploring the possibility of setting up a port through a public-private-partnership model in the future. Meanwhile, Japan is already building a deep-sea port at Matarbari to serve as a major transshipment and industrial hub, allowing larger ships to dock and boosting regional trade, including for India’s northeastern states.
Bangladesh has already expanded its cooperation with India under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In 2024, India secured operational rights to a terminal at Mongla port, while back in 2018, Dhaka granted India full access to both Chittagong and Mongla ports for transit and cargo operations.
Source: The Economic Times
