THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, APRIL 3, 2026
In a decisive move to
accelerate India’s emergence as a global maritime powerhouse, the Ministry of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has signed a Plan of Implementation with
the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to strengthen skill
development in the country’s shipbuilding sector. The agreement, formalised on
April 2, 2026, marks a strategic collaboration aimed at building a highly
skilled workforce capable of powering India’s next phase of maritime expansion.
The landmark
initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ambitious Maritime Amrit Kaal
Vision 2047, reinforcing the sector’s role as a key pillar of economic growth,
industrial competitiveness, and global trade integration. Titled ‘Support the
Establishment of Development Strategies and to Build a Foundation for Skilled
and Professional Talents for the Indian Shipbuilding and Marine Sector’, the
project seeks to develop a comprehensive roadmap to nurture technical expertise
and strengthen institutional capabilities across the shipbuilding and marine
engineering ecosystem.
Under the
collaboration, KOICA, supported by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational
Education and Training and other key stakeholders, will conduct in-depth
research on India’s shipbuilding industry. The project will focus on workforce
mapping, identification of skill gaps, and the creation of a structured master
plan for human resource development, ensuring alignment with evolving global
industry standards and technological advancements.
Union Minister of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the partnership as
a transformative step in India’s maritime journey, highlighting that the
initiative will help create a future-ready, globally competitive shipbuilding
ecosystem. Emphasising the importance of building a technologically proficient
talent base, he noted that the collaboration reflects India’s commitment to
strengthening institutional capacity, fostering innovation, and generating
high-quality employment opportunities for the country’s youth. He further
underlined that the initiative will play a vital role in advancing the vision
of an Atmanirbhar maritime sector that is resilient, globally respected, and
prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.
As part of the
implementation framework, a series of bilateral workshops on workforce
development will be conducted in both India and the Republic of Korea. These
engagements will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academic
institutions, and skill development experts to exchange best practices and
deepen cooperation in building a robust maritime talent ecosystem.
Further advancing the partnership, discussions are nearing completion for establishing a dedicated Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India. The proposed centre is expected to serve as a hub for industry-oriented vocational training, technical skill enhancement, and productivity improvement through advanced learning programs tailored to the needs of modern shipbuilding operations.
By leveraging South Korea’s globally recognised technological expertise and combining it with India’s expanding maritime ambitions, the collaboration is poised to significantly strengthen workforce readiness, enhance productivity, and improve global competitiveness. The initiative represents a major milestone in India’s efforts to transform its shipbuilding and marine sectors into engines of sustainable growth, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to international collaboration, capacity building, and long-term maritime excellence.
