Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs Terada Yoshimichi in Oslo to enhance maritime cooperation. Discussions focused on shipbuilding, port digitalization, green port initiatives, and transforming the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into Smart Islands, underlining the potential for Japanese investment in Indian shipyards.
The ministers highlighted collaboration with major Japanese firms like Imabari Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with Sonowal expressing India’s interest in joint ventures, particularly regarding Imabari’s projects in Andhra Pradesh. He encouraged Japanese maritime leaders such as NYK Line and MOL to explore the growing Indian maritime sector.
A key topic was the upskilling of Indian seafarers, with over 154,000 trained professionals ready to support Japan’s needs. Sonowal proposed structured training programs to further enhance skills, thereby solidifying bilateral ties. The meeting also addressed the National Maritime Heritage Museum in Lothal, with Sonowal inviting Japan to partner on this significant project.
In closing, Sonowal invited Terada to the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, emphasizing the deepening Indo-Japanese partnership aimed at regional maritime security and economic integration through initiatives like the Quad and SCRI.
Share it now
