India and Vietnam Partner to Develop National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat

New Delhi: To preserve and celebrate their shared maritime history, India and Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. The MoU was signed at Hyderabad House in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, marking a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The NMHC aims to showcase the rich maritime heritage of both countries, emphasizing their historical and cultural ties. This collaboration will include the exchange and loan of artifacts, replicas, paintings, archival data, and other antiquities related to their maritime histories. Additionally, India and Vietnam will share expertise in design, technological implementation, and maintenance to create an educational and recreational space utilizing the latest technology.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, remarked, “The collaboration between India and Vietnam on the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to preserving and celebrating our rich maritime history. This partnership not only highlights the deep-rooted connections between our two nations but also sets the stage for future cultural exchanges and strategic cooperation. Together, we are building a bridge that honors our past while paving the way for a prosperous future.”

The NMHC will also serve as a hub for promoting international tourism focused on maritime heritage, with plans for a Marine Heritage and Conservation Laboratory. The complex will include educational programs, exhibitions, and research facilities, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between India and Vietnam.

The Government of Gujarat has allocated 400 acres of land in Saragwala village for the NMHC and is developing external infrastructure for the project. Construction of phase 1A is in full swing, with more than 55% of physical progress already achieved. The project is expected to open to the public next year.

The NMHC will feature some of the world’s tallest lighthouse museums, the largest open aquatic gallery, and India’s grandest naval museum, making it a significant international tourist destination. The project, which began in March 2022, is being developed at a cost of around Rs. 4500 crores and will include several innovative and unique features. These include a Lothal mini-recreation to replicate Harappan architecture and lifestyle, four theme parks (Memorial, Maritime and Navy, Climate, and Adventure and Amusement), and fourteen galleries highlighting India’s maritime heritage from the Harappan times to the present day. Additionally, there will be a Coastal States pavilion displaying the diverse maritime heritage of India’s states and Union Territories.