India, Japan to Boost Maritime Cooperation: Talks Held on Shipbuilding, Training, Green Ports and Island Development

In a move to further bolster maritime cooperation, India and Japan have agreed to expand collaboration in shipbuilding, training, port digitalization, and green initiatives. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLITT) Terada Yoshimichi in Oslo, Norway, where both sides discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening maritime ties.

Sonowal emphasized that India and Japan will work together to foster a sustainable and mutually beneficial maritime partnership. The meeting covered key areas such as Japanese investment in Indian shipyards, digitalization of ports, green port initiatives, and collaborative research and development, alongside skill development and the employment of Indian seafarers in Japan.

Focus on Island Development and Smart Infrastructure

Both leaders also held discussions on transforming the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands into smart islands. This includes using sustainable technologies, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and boosting connectivity. “Japan’s expertise in smart mobility, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure will be instrumental in our efforts to develop these islands while preserving ecological balance,” Sonowal said.

Japanese Investment in Shipbuilding and Maritime Clusters

India also expressed interest in partnering with leading Japanese shipbuilders such as Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Discussions included potential greenfield investments like the Imabari project in Andhra Pradesh, and the joint development of maritime industrial clusters as clean energy hubs.

Sonowal invited major Japanese shipping companies—NYK Line, MOL, and K Line—to explore investment and joint venture opportunities in India’s growing maritime sector. “Japan’s reputation in shipbuilding and repair is world-renowned. India offers a strategic opportunity for collaboration,” he added.

Human Resource Development and Maritime Workforce

Highlighting India's maritime workforce, Sonowal noted that over 1.54 lakh trained Indian seafarers are ready to contribute to Japan’s maritime industry. He stressed the need for cooperative training and skilling programs, and welcomed Japan's support in this area.

Cultural Ties and Strategic Partnership

Reaffirming India and Japan’s long-standing spiritual and cultural connections, Sonowal underscored the importance of their cooperation under platforms such as the Quad and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). He also praised Japan’s leadership in global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and LeadIT.

India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, is rapidly advancing in port infrastructure, green shipping, and digital transformation, and seeks deeper Japanese collaboration in these domains.

NMHC Collaboration and Maritime Week Invitation

India is also developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, which aims to be a global center for maritime heritage, education, and tourism. Sonowal expressed interest in Japanese participation and said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding NMHC is likely to be signed soon.

Wrapping up the talks, Sonowal invited Terada Yoshimichi to attend the India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, a global forum to explore maritime investment and collaboration opportunities.