India’s Maritime Diplomacy Sets Sail
In a bold push for global maritime cooperation, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to lead a five-day diplomatic visit to Norway and Denmark starting June 2. His agenda blends diplomacy, economic outreach, and cultural homage—cementing India’s place on the global maritime map.
The visit comes at a crucial time, with India’s maritime economy rapidly growing and the government pushing for green technologies and global investment.
Sonowal’s participation in the 60th Nor-Shipping event in Oslo marks a milestone. For the first time, India will host its own ‘India Pavilion’, highlighting domestic advancements in shipbuilding, port modernization, and sustainability.
The pavilion will also promote India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October in Mumbai, to attract international stakeholders. Attendees include top global players in shipping, tech, and component manufacturing.
Fostering Strategic Bilateral Engagements
Apart from Nor-Shipping, the minister is scheduled to hold key bilateral meetings with counterparts from Japan, Norway, and Denmark. These talks will focus on joint ventures, green maritime technology, and investment partnerships.
Sonowal will also tour Oslo Port Authority to understand advanced maritime infrastructure and apply best practices back home.
A Heritage to Honour, A Future to Build
Adding emotional depth to the tour, Sonowal will visit Minnehallen, the Hall of Remembrance, to pay tribute to Indian sailors who perished during World War II. This gesture reflects India’s respect for its maritime history and the sacrifices of its seafarers.
The India Pavilion will also include a section on the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat, offering a 5,000-year window into India’s rich naval history.
Engaging Future Maritime Leaders
In Denmark, the minister will speak at Copenhagen Business School’s Blue MBA program. He’ll engage with future maritime leaders and invite them to explore India’s emerging ecosystem.
With emphasis on India’s fast-growing Blue Economy and innovation potential, Sonowal hopes to attract global students, researchers, and professionals to Indian shores.
A Broad Coalition for Maritime Growth
The Indian delegation includes officials from MoPSW, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Garden Reach Shipbuilders, and state maritime boards of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It also features MSMEs and key industry voices from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Their presence signals India’s intent to foster deep-rooted partnerships across government and industry.
Sustainable Seas and Shared Growth
Shri Sonowal summed up the mission:
“Norway and Denmark are pioneers in green maritime innovation. We aim to collaborate, learn, and co-create a resilient maritime future. As we move toward Viksit Bharat by 2047, our seas will be central to India’s growth story.”