Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu held talks to strengthen economic and maritime security ties. They acknowledged mutual challenges in the Indian Ocean Region and vowed to improve cooperation. India promised support for the Maldives’ defense projects and initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs and youth.
India has seen a remarkable growth in the number of women seafarers, with a 514% increase from 2014 to 2023. The country now boasts 10,440 female Indian seafarers, showcasing its potential in the maritime sector. India plays a crucial role in educating and training individuals for various maritime careers and skills.
Former Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, highlighted the significant growth in the number of seafarers over the past nine years, with a 140% increase. Speaking at the ninth convocation of the Indian Maritime University in Chennai on October 7, 2024, he emphasized the role of the university in producing seafarers.
Efforts to establish a world-class maritime cluster in Goa have faced setbacks, with a facility in Verna remaining unused due to the absence of necessary machinery. Previous attempts to procure equipment were unsuccessful, hindering the project’s progress. Efforts are being made to start the project again.
Sarbananda Sonowal recently led a meeting with experts to discuss promoting India’s maritime heritage. The initiative aims to highlight the country’s seafaring legacy and historical significance. By collaborating with archaeologists and historians, the government plans to educate the public and preserve maritime history. Sonowal aims to showcase India’s heritage globally.
The Indian government is taking steps to restart operations at the Sittwe-India Port, impacted by conflict in Arakan State. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal revealed collaboration with Myanmar for smooth port functioning, crucial for the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project to aid trade to northeastern states. Challenges include engaging with the Arakan Army for sustainable operations.
India recently hosted a high-level conference on Maritime Decarbonization, demonstrating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and the Asian Development Bank, the event brought together over 200 delegates to discuss strategies, technologies, and policies to promote sustainable practices in the maritime sector.
India’s government is focusing on alternative fuels and renewable energy to position itself as a green shipbuilding hub. With modernization of shipyards and investments from Japanese and Korean counterparts, India aims to meet IMO’s emission goals. DNV’s white paper on Indian Coastal Green Shipping Programme outlines the path to sustainable maritime practices in India.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has partnered with the Government of India to establish the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT). This collaboration aims to enhance the Maritime Training Institute in Mumbai into a center of maritime excellence in cooperation with the IMO’s MTCC network, promoting innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.
Alphard Maritime Group, under the leadership of Chairman Captain Alok Kumar, is set to launch a $500 million shipping fund in GIFT City to bolster Indian shipping tonnage. The fund aims to assist fleet owners in acquiring assets worth $10-20 million, with Alphard Maritime contributing Rs 5 billion and associates adding Rs 45 billion
The Indian government has launched a white paper emphasizing seafarer welfare, focusing on mental health improvements. Collaboration between the Directorate General of Shipping and the National Institute of Mental Health aims to address severe depression and suicide risks among the 250,000 Indian seafarers. Industry leaders advocate for mandatory mental health resilience training.
India and Denmark are collaborating to enhance maritime relations, focusing on sustainable practices under the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. This partnership includes areas like quality shipping, maritime training, green technology, and decarbonization efforts. Denmark’s expertise in sustainable maritime technologies is supporting India’s initiatives like the Sagarmala project and Maritime India Vision 2030.
The Indian Coast Guard vessel, ICG’s Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay, arrived at Bali for a three-day strategic port call during its East Asia deployment. The visit includes professional interactions with Indonesia’s BAKAMLA, cross-deck training, joint yoga sessions, and sports events. Ten NCC cadets will participate in an environment protection walkathon to raise awareness about marine pollution.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways appointed Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker as their brand ambassador, leveraging her shooting prowess and maritime background. Minister Sonowal hailed Bhaker’s role in promoting India’s marine sector, aiming for self-reliance by 2047. The event honored women like Lt. Commander Joshi for their contributions to nation-building.
During the 20th Maritime State Development Council meeting in Goa, significant advancements for Indian shipping were announced. The launch of the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre and the Indian Maritime Centre aims to enhance the country’s maritime industry. Plans for a Mega Shipbuilding Park and progress on the Sagarmala program were also highlighted.
