Oslo, Norway | June 2, 2025 — India and Japan have agreed to significantly strengthen their maritime relations, focusing on sustainable development, advanced technology, shipbuilding, and human resource development in the maritime sector. The decision was made during a bilateral meeting between India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, held in Oslo, Norway.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of an international maritime event, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to boosting cooperation across various areas in the maritime domain. Discussions focused on investment in shipbuilding, creation of smart and green ports, digital infrastructure, and training and employment of Indian seafarers.
Key Areas of Collaboration
1. Shipbuilding and Green Ports:
India invited leading Japanese companies such as Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to invest in Indian shipyards. Shri Sonowal highlighted the potential for joint ventures and technology transfer to support India’s growing maritime industry. Japan’s expertise in shipbuilding and repair is well-recognized, and India aims to leverage this strength under its ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’.
2. Smart Islands and Ecological Conservation:
Both sides discussed developing India’s Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into Smart Islands using Japan’s experience. Focus areas include renewable energy, disaster-resilient infrastructure, smart mobility systems, and ecological preservation. These efforts align with the shared goal of regional maritime security and sustainability.
3. Digitalisation and R&D:
Japan expressed interest in collaborating on port digitisation, green port initiatives, and joint research and development. India also proposed increased cooperation in next-generation ship design and sustainable maritime technologies.
4. Human Resource Development:
With over 154,000 trained Indian seafarers, India has offered its skilled workforce to support Japan’s maritime sector. Minister Sonowal urged Japanese maritime companies to consider training, upskilling, and employing Indian personnel through structured programs, benefiting both countries.
Strengthening Historical and Strategic Ties
Shri Sonowal emphasized the long-standing cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Japan. He said that the maritime partnership fits well within broader strategic frameworks like the Quad alliance and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).
India also acknowledged Japan’s leadership in global climate and sustainability efforts, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT).
National Maritime Heritage and Future Events
India is developing the National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, to showcase its maritime legacy. Minister Sonowal expressed India’s interest in partnering with Japan on this project and hoped to sign an MoU soon.
He also invited Vice Minister Yoshimichi to the India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31. The event aims to bring together global stakeholders to explore opportunities in maritime investment, innovation, and collaboration.
Statements from the Leaders
Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi shared Japan’s keen interest in expanding its partnership with India in the maritime sector. He confirmed that Japan views India as a valuable ally and is exploring opportunities in shipbuilding and seafarer training with a positive outlook.
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India and Japan share deep-rooted ties based on mutual trust, democracy, and shared values. Today’s discussions have laid the foundation for an even stronger maritime partnership. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to reach new heights, targeting investments worth five trillion yen (₹3.2 lakh crore) with Japan by 2027.”
Participants and Officials
The meeting saw participation from senior officials of both countries including:
-
Dr Acquino Vimal, Indian Ambassador to Norway
-
Madhu S Nair, CMD, Cochin Shipyard Limited
-
Officials from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)