Indian Ambassador Highlights Port of Beirut’s Role in IMEC Following New Delhi Declaration
Shipping Arabia, November 3, 2026 – India’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Muhammad Noor Rahman Sheikh, visited the Port of Beirut and highlighted its importance in maritime trade and its potential role within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), following the signing of a joint declaration by the ports of Beirut and Tripoli in New Delhi.
The declaration, signed as part of the IMEC Ports Club initiative, represents a step toward strengthening the Lebanese ports’ presence within the network of ports and transport routes associated with the economic corridor.
During his visit, Ambassador Sheikh met with Marwan Naffi, Chairman of the Board and Director General of the Port of Beirut. Their discussions focused on the port’s geographical position, its role in maritime transport and trade, and the operational capabilities that could support its participation in the IMEC network.
Both sides emphasized the importance of the Port of Beirut and the advantages it offers for regional maritime connectivity and trade movements.
New Delhi Declaration Strengthens IMEC Engagement
The ambassador’s visit followed the participation of the ports of Beirut and Tripoli in New Delhi, where both ports signed the joint declaration of the IMEC Ports Club.
The initiative focuses on the network of ports and transport routes associated with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
The discussions in Beirut highlighted the port’s position within regional maritime trade and its existing capabilities to support activities linked to the corridor.
In particular, the meeting addressed the port’s geographical location and the operational and logistics resources that could strengthen its role within the network.
Indian Delegation Reviews Port of Beirut Operations
Ambassador Sheikh was accompanied by several Indian diplomatic and commercial representatives during the visit.
The delegation included Vinay Shankar, Second Secretary and Consul responsible for commercial affairs at the Indian Embassy in Lebanon.
Also participating was B.G. Krishnan, Consul for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the designated Indian customs representative for the Middle East and Africa.
Ousama Abi Almona, Commercial Assistant at the Indian Embassy, also joined the delegation.
Following the meeting with Naffi, the ambassador and accompanying officials conducted a field tour of the Port of Beirut.
During the tour, the delegation examined the port’s operating procedures, operational and logistics capabilities, and available resources for meeting regional maritime transport and trade requirements.
The visit provided an opportunity for Indian officials to gain direct insight into the port’s operations and the capabilities relevant to its potential participation in the IMEC-related network of ports and transport routes.
The engagement followed the New Delhi declaration involving both Beirut and Tripoli, with discussions centered on the Port of Beirut’s importance in maritime trade and its position within the developing economic corridor framework.
Source: Port of Beirut
