India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and a Union Government company incorporated on January 22, 2015, under the Companies Act, 2013. It functions as the Government of India's arm for operating and developing international ports. IPGL was initially promoted jointly by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and the Deendayal Port Trust (formerly Kandla Port Trust).
The company was created to pursue India's strategic objective of developing port projects overseas, particularly to secure access to key trade routes. Its formation was directly linked to the agreement for India to take over the operation of two terminals at Chabahar Port in Iran. This port, located in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, is a crucial gateway for India to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and is a key link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
IPGL's primary mechanism involves equipping and operating container and multipurpose terminals in foreign ports. Currently, IPGL operates the Shahid Beheshti Port terminal at Chabahar in Iran and the Sittwe Port in Myanmar. It is also exploring terminal development work at Mongla port in Bangladesh.
In recent times, IPGL has faced challenges due to renewed US sanctions on Iran. In response, Indian government officials on the IPGL board resigned en masse to reduce their exposure to potential US punitive measures. India is exploring options, such as transferring the operations to a local entity with a guarantee to return control when sanctions are lifted, to safeguard its strategic interests in Chabahar. IPGL is connected to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and is part of a larger consortium, Bharat Ports Global Consortium, which includes the Sagarmala Development Co. Ltd (SDCL) and India Port Rail and Ropeway Corp. Ltd (IPRCL) for overseas port ventures.