South Asia’s Largest Maritime Summit ‘Sagarmanthan’ Kicks Off, Focuses On Global Maritime Cooperation

Sagarmanthan, South Asia's largest maritime thought leadership summit, convened experts from 61 countries to discuss sustainable and innovative maritime practices.

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal and the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur attend the Sagarmanthan - The Great Oceans Dialogue event, in New Delhi on November 18, 2024.

Source : PIB

Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, South Asia’s largest maritime thought leadership summit, commenced today, organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation. The event, held in the presence of representatives from 61 countries and over 1,700 participants, gathered global policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and maritime experts to advance sustainable and innovative maritime practices.

Addressing the summit, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasised the transformative vision for India's maritime future. “India’s Maritime Vision 2047 is a roadmap to transform the maritime sector by fostering sustainability, enhancing connectivity, and leveraging technology. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, our ministry, through initiatives like Sagarmala and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, is aiming at making India a leader in global maritime trade, achieving our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047," he said.

Sonowal highlighted major investments aimed at revolutionising India’s maritime infrastructure, including an ambitious ₹80 lakh crore investment plan. Key projects such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala and new mega ports at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and Galathea Bay in Nicobar are envisioned to elevate India's maritime capabilities. "By 2047, India targets a port handling capacity of 10,000 million metric tons per annum, leveraging strategic trade routes through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor," Sonowal stated.

Sonowal On Govt's Commitment To Decarbonising Maritime Sector

Sarbananda Sonowal underlined India's commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector, citing the Harit Sagar Guidelines and the National Green Hydrogen Mission as pivotal steps. "Recognising India's maritime potential and its significance for economic growth, our government has implemented crucial policy measures for the 'Blue and Ocean-based Economy' over the last decade," he added.

Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides, spoke on global collaboration. “For us policymakers, it is crucial to ensure a stable regulatory framework and a global level playing field for the industry. International transport systems, with shipping at their core, should serve the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. Sagarmanthan is a great example of collaboration in this direction," Stylianides remarked.

Highlighting India's principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—‘The World is One Family’—Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, emphasised connectivity and collaboration for coastal communities and environmental care. “The oceans must be a global priority, not just for economic development but for ecological preservation and energy innovation,” he noted.

Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, underscored the strategic vision. "Our goal is to position ourselves at the forefront of the maritime sector. We should aspire in 10 years to build 10-12 per cent of the world’s ships and own/flag 8 per cent," he said, stressing sustainable growth and maritime innovation.

On the sidelines, Sarbananda Sonowal engaged in bilateral talks with Christos Stylianides, exploring maritime cooperation between India and Greece. Both ministers discussed doubling trade from the existing USD 1.94 billion by 2030 and expanding collaborations, particularly in maritime infrastructure, renewable energy, and educational partnerships.

#Sagarmanthan2024 | Good bilateral meeting with Christos Stylianides, Greece Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy. Had fruitful discussions on strengthening 🇮🇳-🇬🇷 ties focusing on the maritime sector.@naftilias @GreeceinIndia pic.twitter.com/DSdLJsCcak

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 18, 2024

The two-day summit features sessions on maritime connectivity, sustainable development, technological innovation, and global maritime governance, showcasing India's advancements in port digitisation, renewable energy, and decarbonised shipping.