India and Japan Deepen Maritime Ties: Focus on Shipbuilding, Green Ports, and Smart Islands

Oslo: In a significant step toward advancing bilateral maritime cooperation, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, held a high-level meeting in Oslo with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism (MLIT). The talks aimed to strengthen collaboration between India and Japan across key sectors including shipbuilding, port digitisation, green port initiatives, and human resource development.

During the meeting, both ministers explored strategic areas of partnership such as Japanese investment in Indian shipyards, enhanced R&D collaboration, training and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan, and the joint development of sustainable maritime infrastructure. Discussions also focused on the application of disaster-resilient and eco-friendly technologies in island territories.

Sonowal highlighted the potential for Indo-Japanese cooperation in developing the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into model “Smart Islands.” He emphasized the deployment of renewable energy, smart mobility, and digital infrastructure to boost both regional connectivity and environmental sustainability. “Japan’s expertise in sustainable island development is highly valued, and we see vast opportunities for joint initiatives that align with our shared commitment to maritime security and ecological conservation,” he said.

A key focus of the dialogue was Japan’s interest in India’s growing shipbuilding ecosystem. Sonowal invited leading Japanese companies like Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to form joint ventures with Indian shipyards. He also welcomed investments from Japan’s major shipping companies—NYK Line, MOL, and K Line—in India’s maritime sector, particularly in the context of the ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ and ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’.

“India presents an unmatched opportunity for Japanese shipbuilders, given our growing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and policy-driven maritime growth. Together, we can create clean energy hubs and develop next-generation ship designs that reflect shared sustainability goals,” Sonowal stated.

The Japanese delegation expressed strong interest in exploring these opportunities. Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi acknowledged the evolving partnership, stating that while Japan has long collaborated with India in railway infrastructure, it is now “very interested in deepening engagement in the maritime sector.”

The two sides also discussed potential frameworks for collaboration in maritime training, including MoUs with Indian institutions like Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Indian universities. Sonowal emphasized India’s strength in seafaring talent, with over 1.5 lakh trained seafarers ready to support Japan’s maritime workforce. “We welcome Japan’s participation in structured training and upskilling programs that can empower Indian seafarers and engineers,” he said.

India also extended an invitation to Japan to participate in the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from October 27–31. The event will bring together global maritime stakeholders to explore opportunities for investment, innovation, and collaboration.

Additionally, Sonowal proposed Japan’s partnership in the National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC) project at Lothal, Gujarat, which aims to showcase India’s maritime legacy and serve as a global center for maritime education, tourism, and research.

Concluding the meeting, Sonowal reaffirmed India’s commitment to scaling new heights in maritime cooperation with Japan. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s leadership, we are working to achieve ₹3.2 lakh crore in investments with Japan by 2027. Today’s discussion with Vice Minister Terada paves the way for a deeper, greener, and more resilient maritime partnership,” he said.

The meeting was attended by senior Japanese officials including Onishi Yasushi and Hioki Miki from MLIT, and diplomats from the Japanese Embassy in Norway. The Indian delegation included Ambassador Dr. Acquino Vimal, Joint Secretary Venkatesapathy S, Cochin Shipyard CMD Madhu S. Nair, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.