The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 2, 2025
In a significant stride toward strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal held a high-level meeting with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism (MLIT) in Oslo today. The discussion, held on the sidelines of an international maritime forum, was aimed at intensifying collaboration between the two Indo-Pacific powers, with a shared vision for a sustainable and secure maritime future.
The meeting encompassed a wide range of topics — from Japanese investment in Indian shipyards and green port initiatives, to port digitisation, research and development, seafarer training, and the creation of disaster-resilient maritime infrastructure. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to mutual growth through the application of sustainable technologies and advanced maritime capabilities.
Highlighting the strategic potential of India’s island territories, Sonowal proposed joint initiatives in developing the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into Smart Islands. “Japan’s expertise in island development, renewable energy, and smart mobility is invaluable. We envision collaboration in building eco-sensitive infrastructure and digital connectivity that supports both conservation and maritime security,” he said.
The ministers also explored opportunities for deeper industrial collaboration, including Greenfield investments such as the potential entry of Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh. Sonowal invited Japanese giants like JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to establish joint ventures with Indian counterparts, enhancing capacity in shipbuilding and repair. He also extended an invitation to Japan’s leading shipping companies — NYK Line, MOL, and K Line — to invest in India’s burgeoning maritime sector.
“Japan’s technical excellence and India’s emerging maritime ecosystem can together redefine the regional shipping landscape. Our cooperation on port digitisation and green initiatives will be pivotal to building a resilient, future-ready logistics network,” said Sonowal, underscoring the bilateral synergy under frameworks like the Quad and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).
Japan’s Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi acknowledged the warmth of Indo-Japanese ties and expressed strong interest in expanding Japan’s involvement in India’s maritime transformation. “Our engagement in railway infrastructure is already robust, and now we see promising potential in maritime collaboration, especially in training and skilling of seafarers,” he noted.
The leaders also discussed the establishment of an MoU between Japanese stakeholders and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Indian universities, and public agencies to foster collaborative innovation in sustainable shipping and next-generation vessel design. On the human capital front, Shri Sonowal pointed out India’s strength, with over 154,000 trained seafarers available to support Japan’s maritime workforce. “India stands ready to facilitate structured training and employment programs with Japanese maritime players,” he added.
Another landmark element of the dialogue was the proposal for Japanese partnership in the National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC) being developed at Lothal, Gujarat. Envisioned as a global hub for maritime heritage, education, and tourism, the museum represents India’s rich nautical legacy and future aspirations.
Sonowal extended a formal invitation to Vice Minister Yoshimichi to participate in the India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled in Mumbai from October 27–31, a key event to attract global stakeholders in maritime innovation and investment.
Reflecting on the outcome of the meeting, Sonowal said, “India and Japan are natural maritime partners, rooted in shared democratic values and cultural connections. Our dialogue today has laid the groundwork for the next chapter of Indo-Japanese maritime cooperation. We aspire to attract five trillion yen in Japanese investments by 2027, working together toward a greener, smarter, and mutually enriching maritime future.”
The meeting was attended by key dignitaries from both countries, including Onishi Yasushi and Hioki Miki of MLIT Japan, as well as senior Indian officials such as Dr Acquino Vimal, Indian Ambassador to Norway, and representatives from MoPSW and Cochin Shipyard Limited. The convergence of leadership, vision, and shared purpose marks a new era of maritime cooperation between India and Japan — a partnership that promises regional stability, sustainability, and prosperity.
