JSW Infrastructure, India's largest private port operator by cargo handled, announced a drop of nearly 9% in its first-quarter profits on Thursday. This was due to higher expenses.

The company's net profit for the quarter ended 30 June fell from 3.21 billion rupees to 2.92 billion (about 35 million dollars) compared with the previous period.

Port operators including JSW Infra and its larger rival Adani Ports have benefited from improved commercial activity across the country with increased cargo movement through their ports.

JSW Infrastructure, a part of the steel-to power conglomerate JSW Group said that its cargo volume increased 9% on an annual basis to 27,8 million tons. This helped increase revenue from operations by 15%.

The company's total costs increased by 41% and its operational expenses rose 23%.

JSW Infrastructure operates 10 ports on the coast of Pakistan.

In June, JSW Port Logistics acquired a majority share in Navkar Corporation, allowing the company to enter the logistics industry.

JSW Infrastructure shares fell 1.3% on Thursday ahead of results. $1 = 83.6316 Indian Rupees (Reporting and editing by Anisha ajith, Bengaluru)