India Expands Maritime Cooperation, Highlights Youth & Women's Role

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Friday, 9 October 2026

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal held bilateral discussions with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan on the second day of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026. The meetings aimed to strengthen India’s maritime cooperation across the Gulf, Europe and neighbouring countries, while emphasising the importance of youth and women in the sector’s development.

During his meeting with a delegation from the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), Sarbananda explored opportunities for Saudi Arabia to participate in Indian port projects, including Vadhavan and Galathea Bay. The discussions also covered collaboration in shipbuilding, seafarer training and resilient supply chains. Saudi Arabia expressed interest in investing in India’s port infrastructure and the Maritime Development Fund (MDF).

Flemish Minister for Mobility, Public Works, Ports and Sport, Annick De Ridder, proposed the Indian ports could be connected with Antwerp-Bruges with a green shipping corridor between the two ports. The two sides explored green fuels, smart port technology and dredging. VOC Port has signed an agreement with Port of Antwerp Port for training in capacity building in green shipping, and green fuel.

Key Highlights:

• India strengthens maritime partnerships with Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan
• The discussions focus on green shipping, port investments, cargo connectivity and maritime training for youth
• India reports growth in port capacity, cargo handling and inland waterways transport over the past 12 years

Sarbananda spoke of Bhutan's National Waterway-2 and Jogighopa terminal as a gateway to world trade for Bhutan, in the presence of Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Bhutan. The ministers discussed the possibility of using the rivers Manas and Sankosh and the connectivity with the national waterways for the better movement of cargo. The two ministers discussed the provision of maritime training of youth in Bhutan in the Centre of Excellence being developed in Dibrugarh.

"Our talks with Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan show how India’s maritime partnerships are growing across regions,” said Sarbananda Sonowal. “With Saudi Arabia, we are exploring investment in ports, shipbuilding and resilient supply chains. With Belgium, we are working towards a green shipping corridor and smarter ports. With Bhutan, we are opening the Brahmaputra as a gateway for our neighbour to reach global markets and build skills for its youth. Under the leadership of our visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is a trusted partner for a connected, green and prosperous maritime future.”

“India’s maritime future will be written by the youth,” said Sarbananda . “Today, our seafarers are trusted and respected on every ocean, and more women than ever are choosing careers at sea. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are building the skills, institutions and opportunities so that every young Indian who dreams of the sea can help lead the world’s maritime economy.”

"From the Baltic to the Bay of Bengal, India is ready to share its strengths in ports, shipbuilding and seafarer skills so that we can grow together with our partners," said Shantanu Thakur. "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a trusted maritime partner for nations across regions. Through cooperation in green shipping, connectivity and capacity building, we are working towards safe, open and prosperous seas for all," added Thakur.

Union Minister of State Sarbananda at a press conference in Sagarmanthan said India has transformed from a maritime potential to a maritime performance under PM Narendra Modi. The Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur along with the Secretary of MoPSW, Vijay Kumar also accompanied the Union Minister during the press conference.

Port capacity has increased from 1,561 to 2,817 MTPA, cargo handling has increased from 1,052 to 1,668 million tonnes and inland waterways cargo has increased from 29 to 218 million tonnes during the past 12 years, while the turnaround of container vessels has reduced from 35 to 23 hours on average.

He said that Sagarmanthan has evolved from 1700+ delegates from 61 countries attending in 2024 to more than 70 countries participating this year, including 10 Ministers from countries visiting India, and created 100+ publications that will help India establish its credentials as Vishwaguru for the global maritime order.

He underscored India's efforts to develop green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol production capacity, and make its ports green fuel bunkering hubs to help achieve the Indian vision of 'Net Zero 2027'. He said that he would like to see India's vision of 'Net Zero 2027' translated into joint research, investment and technology partnerships. India is poised to cooperate with the world to make the oceans safer, shipping greener and shared prosperity more inclusive, Sarbananda added.