Delhi, 2 June (H.S.): Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met Japan's Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi in Oslo to enhance maritime relations. Discussions focused on Japanese shipyard investments, port digitisation, green initiatives, R&D cooperation, and Indian seafarer employment in Japan. The ministers emphasized sustainable technologies and disaster-resilient infrastructure to transform Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into Smart Islands, leveraging Japan's expertise. Sonowal highlighted potential collaboration in renewable energy, smart mobility systems, and digital infrastructure to advance ecological conservation and maritime security. They also explored increased partnerships between Indian and Japanese shipyards, including investments like Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh. Opportunities for co-developing ports and maritime industrial clusters as clean energy hubs were assessed. Sonowal expressed interest in involving major Japanese shipbuilding companies in joint ventures with Indian yards, emphasizing Japan's recognized capabilities in shipbuilding and repair. He invited Japan’s leading maritime companies to invest in India’s maritime sector, strengthening the bilateral relationship and enhancing logistics resilience.
The Union Minister highlighted the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural ties between India and Japan, emphasizing collaboration within the Quad framework and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative to enhance regional maritime security and economic integration. India's commitment to advancing its maritime sector is showcased through initiatives like 'Maritime India Vision 2030' and 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', seeking Japan's involvement in these transformative efforts. Japan's Vice Minister Yoshimichi reiterated the close relationship and Japan's growing interest in India's maritime sector, discussing mutual collaboration in shipbuilding and seafarer training. Both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime training, research, and sustainable technologies. Additionally, India’s large pool of trained seafarers presents an opportunity for Japan to enhance its maritime workforce, with India eager to facilitate training and upskilling programs to boost maritime cooperation further.
India is establishing the National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, to highlight its maritime history and promote heritage tourism, education, and research. Sarbananda Sonowal expressed a desire to partner with Japan on this initiative and aims to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) soon. He invited Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi to the India Maritime Week, 2025, in Mumbai from October 27-31, which will gather global maritime stakeholders to explore investment and collaboration opportunities. Sonowal emphasized the strong Indo-Japanese ties based on mutual trust and shared democratic values. Discussions during the meeting aimed to enhance maritime cooperation, with Japan seen as a key investor. India's goal is to attract investments totaling five trillion yen (₹3.2 lakh crore) by 2027, driven by mutual benefit and a sustainable future for both nations. The meeting included several senior officials from both countries.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
