India and Japan Agree to Enhance Maritime Relations
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, in Oslo. The discussions aimed to enhance maritime relations between India and Japan, focusing on investment opportunities in shipbuilding, port digitization, and green initiatives. Both ministers explored avenues for collaboration in sustainable technologies and the development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep into “Smart Islands.”
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
During the meeting, both ministers emphasized the importance of sustainable technologies and disaster-resilient infrastructure. They discussed converting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep into “Smart Islands,” leveraging Japan’s expertise in island development. Minister Sonowal highlighted the potential for joint efforts in renewable energy, smart mobility systems, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing their shared commitment to ecological conservation and regional maritime security. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity and improve the quality of life for residents in these island territories.
Investment Opportunities in Shipbuilding
The dialogue also centered on increasing partnerships between Indian and Japanese shipyards, including potential Greenfield investments such as Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh. The ministers explored opportunities for co-developing ports and establishing maritime industrial clusters as clean energy hubs. Minister Sonowal expressed India’s interest in collaborating with leading Japanese shipbuilding companies, inviting them to explore joint ventures and partnerships with Indian shipyards. He underscored the recognition of Japan’s expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair, indicating a promising future for collaboration in this sector.
Enhancing Human Resource Development
A key focus of the meeting was the upskilling and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan. Minister Sonowal noted that India has over 154,000 trained seafarers who could support Japan’s maritime workforce. He emphasized the opportunity for Japanese maritime leaders to engage in training and upskilling Indian seafarers, thereby strengthening the foundation of their maritime cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in maritime training and research and development, particularly in sustainable maritime technologies and next-generation ship design.
Future Collaborations and Initiatives
India is also developing the National Maritime Heritage Museum in Lothal, Gujarat, aimed at showcasing the country’s rich maritime history. Minister Sonowal expressed interest in having Japan as a partner for this project and hoped to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding soon. He extended an invitation to Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi to participate in the India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October 27-31 in Mumbai. This event will gather key stakeholders from the global maritime community to discuss investment opportunities and collaborative initiatives in the maritime sector. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the strong Indo-Japanese ties, rooted in mutual trust and shared values, as both nations look forward to advancing their maritime cooperation for mutual benefit.
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