JUNE 02: In a move to deepen maritime cooperation, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met with Japan’s Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi in Oslo, Norway, to discuss expanding ties between India and Japan in the maritime sector. The meeting covered key areas including shipbuilding, port digitisation, development of smart islands, and maritime training, with a shared vision of creating a globally sustainable maritime future.
Both sides expressed strong interest in expanding collaboration. Minister Sonowal invited Japanese shipbuilding giants such as Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to invest in India’s growing shipbuilding sector. Discussions also explored the potential for greenfield investments and partnerships with Indian shipyards, including Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), to boost indigenous manufacturing and clean energy hubs.
Minister Sonowal emphasized the importance of converting the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into smart, sustainable islands by leveraging Japan’s experience in island development. Joint work in areas like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and smart mobility was seen as crucial for ecological conservation and regional security.
Highlighting Japan’s renowned shipbuilding and seafarer training capabilities, both ministers supported enhanced cooperation in R&D, skill development, and employment opportunities. Sonowal proposed a structured framework for training and employing India’s 154,000 trained seafarers in Japan’s maritime industry, enabling mutual growth and capacity building.
India also shared its intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan for collaboration in maritime education and innovation, including potential joint projects with CSL and Indian universities. Another key highlight was India’s invitation to Japan to partner in developing the National Maritime Heritage Museum at Lothal, Gujarat, envisioned as a global centre for maritime history, education, and tourism.
Sonowal extended an invitation to Vice Minister Yoshimichi to attend the India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled in Mumbai from 27th to 31st October, as a platform to explore further opportunities for investment and cooperation.
Minister Sonowal concluded by reiterating India’s deep-rooted ties with Japan, based on shared values and strategic alignment. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to achieve five trillion yen (₹3.2 lakh crore) in Japanese investments by 2027, advancing shared maritime goals that support global progress and mutual prosperity.