India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently met with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, in Oslo, aiming to strengthen maritime relations between the two nations. Their discussions encompassed various collaborative initiatives, including Japanese investments in shipbuilding, port digitization, green port initiatives, and enhancing research and development (R&D), as well as the training and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan.
A key focus was the potential for Japan to invest in India under the Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to bolster India’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities. The ministers explored opportunities for partnerships between Indian and Japanese shipyards, such as Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh, and considered developing ports and maritime industrial clusters as clean energy hubs for mutual benefit.
Sonowal praised Japan’s expertise in shipbuilding and encouraged major Japanese maritime companies—like NYK Line, MOL, and K Line—to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities in India’s burgeoning maritime sector. He emphasized that strengthening the collaboration on port digitization and green initiatives would enhance the resilience and sustainability of India’s maritime logistics network.
The meeting highlighted the longstanding relationship between India and Japan, which is founded on cultural and civilizational ties. Both nations collaborate under frameworks like the Quad and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), reflecting their commitment to regional maritime security and economic integration. Sonowal acknowledged Japan’s leading role in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, expressing hope for Japan’s active participation in India’s transformative maritime initiatives.
Yoshimichi noted Japan’s keen interest in India’s maritime sector, building on its previous involvement in railway infrastructure development. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for mutual collaboration in shipbuilding and seafarer training, agreeing to deepen ties and explore innovative maritime technologies and ship designs.
Regarding human capital, Sonowal highlighted that India has over 154,000 trained seafarers who can support Japan’s maritime workforce. He proposed structured training programs for Indian engineers and workers, underscoring the synergy between India’s maritime talent and Japan’s expertise. Additionally, Sonowal announced the development of the National Maritime Heritage Museum in Lothal, Gujarat, aimed at showcasing India’s maritime history. He extended an invitation for Japan to partner in this initiative, along with a call for Yoshimichi’s participation in the India Maritime Week in Mumbai in October 2025.
Overall, the meeting reflects both India’s aspiration to advance its maritime sector under “Maritime India Vision 2030” and Japan’s readiness to deepen its involvement in this sphere, marking a significant stride towards enhanced bilateral maritime cooperation.
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