The decision to develop Great Nicobar Island prioritizes ecological and social considerations, according to a Union Minister. The ambitious project includes an international container terminal, a new airport, and a power plant. While aiming for maritime connectivity, concerns about its impact on local ecosystems and tribal communities remain prominent.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will keynote the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week in Mumbai from October 27-31, 2025. The event aims to showcase India’s maritime strengths, attracting over 100,000 participants globally and reinforcing India’s leadership in the transforming maritime sector.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company in the maritime sector, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited. He highlighted its role in bridging financing gaps for ports and startups, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The event also saw the launch of the SAGAR SETU platform for operational efficiency.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will embark on a crucial five-day official trip to Norway and Denmark starting June 2. Leading a Team India delegation, he will attend a High-level Meeting on Oceans at the Nor-Shipping event, where he will inaugurate the ‘India Pavilion’ and promote the upcoming ‘India Maritime Week 2025’.
The Ministry of Trade Union for Ports and Shipping, as stated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, is focused on enhancing Kollam Port. This effort includes accommodating luxury and freight vessels and launching services to Minicoy Island. The state must prepare a proposal to align with the Sagarmala project for optimal development.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced an additional Rs 1,000 crore for inland waterways projects in Assam and the Northeast, aiming for completion by 2026. He emphasized the development of maritime skills for the local workforce and reviewed key infrastructure projects along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, enhancing regional transportation and tourism.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held extensive review meetings in Mumbai to assess key maritime projects, emphasizing the need for normal business operations amid challenges. He directed officials to ensure smooth cargo movement and evaluated the National Maritime Heritage Complex and the Greenfield Mega Port project, urging accelerated development to enhance India’s maritime leadership.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to visit Singapore for three days to participate in the ‘Singapore Maritime Week’, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Singapore. Scheduled meetings with Singaporean counterparts and top maritime leaders will focus on unlocking opportunities in the industry and navigating global trends.
Shantanu Thakur, GOI Union Minister of State for PSW, visited JNPA in India to assess the Vadhvan Port project’s progress. He signed an MoU with YCMOU to offer port operation programs and discussed strategic initiatives with stakeholders to enhance maritime trade. Thakur emphasized the importance of port infrastructure in boosting economic growth and global competitiveness.
