Singapore: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, joined global maritime leaders at the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) to deliberate on strategies for a secure, sustainable, and prosperous maritime future. Representing India’s maritime vision, Sonowal underscored the nation’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, enhancing supply chains, and fostering a green maritime ecosystem.
Highlighting key challenges and India’s growth-oriented vision, Sonowal emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving a sustainable maritime industry. “India’s maritime vision, rooted in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ promotes collaboration and shared prosperity. As a reliable and responsible partner, India is committed to building a green, secure, and inclusive maritime future,” he stated.
During his address, the Minister highlighted India’s advancements in maritime digitalisation, which form the core strategy of its maritime policy. India’s initiatives like ONOP, NLP (Marine), and MAITRI are transforming port operations by reducing transaction times, streamlining services, and enabling real-time data exchange. He also announced India’s partnership with the UAE and Singapore to establish Virtual Trade Corridors, facilitating seamless cargo movement across borders.
To address global supply chain vulnerabilities, India is developing key trade corridors, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the Eastern Maritime Corridor, and the North-South Transport Corridor. A planned investment of USD 20 billion aims to enhance logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation. By 2047, India envisions securing a top-five global shipbuilding rank through policy reforms and infrastructure advancements, with the nation’s ports targeting an increase in global cargo share from 6% to 15%.
Sonowal met Singapore’s Senior Minister and former Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, along with key government officials, including Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport; Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry; and Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs. These meetings focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, trade relations, and green shipping initiatives.
On the industry front, Sonowal engaged with corporate leaders, including Jeremy Nixon, Global CEO of ONE, Masashi Hamada, and executives from APM Terminals and Gateway Terminals, reinforcing India’s commitment to global partnerships in the maritime sector.
A key highlight of Sonowal’s address was India’s dedication to sustainability in the maritime sector. He announced the development of three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports—Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip—to accelerate alternative fuel adoption and green hydrogen production. India is also actively participating in the International Maritime Organization’s Green Voyage 2050 initiative, supporting developing nations in their energy transitions.
“Our commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, extends to developing Green Shipping Corridors, including the proposed India-Singapore Green and Digital Corridor, focused on clean energy and smart logistics,” Sonowal added. “Oceans unite us. Through partnerships, we can turn today’s maritime challenges into shared, sustainable opportunities.”
Guided by the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ India is advancing as a self-reliant, globally connected economy. The government’s focus on expanding port infrastructure, integrating logistics, and enhancing ease of doing business is leading to increased port efficiency, stronger cargo flows, and growing investor confidence.
