The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) plans to establish a training facility for seafarers in India, potentially accommodating up to 1 million Indian seafarers, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He highlighted India’s vast skilled workforce and encouraged Japanese companies to collaborate in maritime training, enhancing bilateral cooperation.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, highlighted the ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiative as pivotal for enhancing defense and maritime cooperation with Africa. This vision aims to strengthen ties through collaborative efforts in maritime security, trade, and capacity building, reflecting India’s commitment to bolstering strategic partnerships and addressing shared challenges like piracy and illegal fishing.
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 17, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost investment. This collaboration focuses on job creation and supply-chain resilience while enhancing maritime cooperation, energy initiatives like green hydrogen, and defense measures. Seven agreements were signed, highlighting diverse cooperative areas.
A delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) visited the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in Mumbai to enhance maritime cooperation. Discussions focused on India’s examination processes and training programs, aiming to explore opportunities for employing Indian seafarers in Japan’s shipping industry, reinforcing collaboration in maritime education.
During the ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deepening ties between India and ASEAN, particularly in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. He declared 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,” emphasizing collaboration in education, health, and culture, while affirming the importance of shared values and historical connections.
Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has proposed monthly joint Coast Guard patrols with Taiwan to enhance deterrence in the West Pacific. This follows Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration’s successful “fleet of friendship” visit to Palau, emphasizing the importance of maritime collaboration for regional peace and stability amid rising security concerns.
The recent visit by the Vietnam Coast Guard to Indonesia signifies a pivotal step in maritime cooperation, enhancing security at sea. Vice Admiral Irvansyah emphasized the importance of this collaboration for regional stability. The Vietnamese delegation, led by Col. Nguyen Tran Dong, will engage in discussions and joint exercises in Jakarta.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has inaugurated a new Regional Presence Office in Suva, Fiji, to enhance maritime cooperation in the Pacific. This office will aid Pacific nations in implementing global maritime standards, focusing on safety compliance, pollution prevention, and supporting the blue economy vital for Small Island Developing States.
India and the Philippines have upgraded their strategic partnership to enhance trade, defense, and maritime cooperation. This agreement, reached during talks in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to strengthen ties and address regional challenges, fostering economic growth and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
India is collaborating with ASEAN to enhance maritime cooperation and sustainable tourism in the Indo-Pacific. The second ASEAN Cruise Dialogue in Tamil Nadu aims to develop cruise routes similar to the Caribbean, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting regional connectivity and collaboration in the growing cruise industry.
The Japan Coast Guard ship Itsukushima, under Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, docked at Chennai Port on July 7 for its Global Ocean Voyage Training. This visit highlights the strengthening partnership between the Indian Coast Guard and JCG, featuring bilateral meetings, cultural exchanges, and a joint sea exercise named ‘Jaa Mata’ on July 12.
On July 7, 2025, the Japan Coast Guard ship Itsukushima, under Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, docked at Chennai Port, symbolizing enhanced maritime ties between India and Japan. This visit includes bilateral meetings, joint training, and a key sea exercise called Jaa Mata, reinforcing cooperation and commitment to regional maritime security.
On June 30, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the U.S., and Australia launched the historic ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ to enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative, featuring officers from each nation aboard the USCGC Stratton, aims to strengthen operational ties and promote a rules-based maritime environment.
India is enhancing its maritime goals through key international partnerships, as seen in recent talks with the largest shipping firm in Sweden. Officials focused on promoting sustainable practices, aiming to position India as a vital logistical hub. This aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, emphasizing eco-friendly infrastructure and global trade integration.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met Denmark’s Minister Morten Bodskov to enhance maritime cooperation, resulting in a bilateral agreement for a Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping in India. This initiative supports the Green Strategic Partnership, aligning with India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, focusing on sustainable maritime practices and innovation.
