Prashnavachak News
Oslo, 2 June 2025 – Marking a significant milestone in Indo-Japanese maritime relations, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Mr. Terada Yoshimichi, in Oslo. The meeting spotlighted a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure, smart island development, and seafarer training — paving the way for a sustainable and mutually rewarding future.
Both sides explored investment opportunities in Indian shipyards, including potential Greenfield investments by leading Japanese firms such as Imabari Shipbuilding, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, JMUC, and Kanagawa Dockyard. Discussions also focused on developing port digitisation systems, green port initiatives, and co-developing maritime industrial clusters to serve as clean energy hubs. With a vision to transform Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep into Smart Islands, India welcomed Japan’s collaboration in areas like renewable energy, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and smart mobility solutions. Vice Minister Terada conveyed Japan’s deep interest in expanding maritime cooperation, particularly in shipbuilding and seafarer training, as a natural extension of the two nations’ strong civilisational and cultural ties. Highlighting India’s robust maritime workforce of over 154,000 trained seafarers, Minister Sonowal invited Japanese companies to invest in upskilling Indian talent through structured training programs and employment partnerships. The talks also envisioned a future MoU involving Cochin Shipyard Limited, Indian universities, and public agencies to further maritime R&D and technological collaboration.
In a nod to heritage, Shri Sonowal also proposed Japanese participation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Museum in Lothal, Gujarat — envisioned as a global centre for maritime legacy, education, and research. He extended an invitation to Japan to join the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, to be held in Mumbai from 27th to 31st October, as a platform to strengthen industry links. The discussions underscored India and Japan’s shared commitment to advancing maritime resilience, regional connectivity, and sustainable growth under frameworks such as the Quad and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative. As India navigates toward its Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the partnership with Japan is set to scale new heights — with a joint target of achieving five trillion yen (₹3.2 lakh crore) in investments by 2027.
