Sarbananda Sonowal Attends Singapore Maritime Week with Global Maritime Leaders

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, took part in the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), collaborating with international maritime leaders to shape a secure, sustainable, and prosperous future for the sector. In his address, he brought into light certain key challenges and opportunities for India while emphasizing its vision for the maritime development of enhanced connectivity, resilient supply chains, and the heart of a collaboration for a sustainable maritime industry.

Sonowal elaborated upon India's commitment to digitalization in shipping and technology-driven shipping, which, according to him, should be a principal focus of the Nation's policies in the maritime sector. Projects like ONOP, NLP (Marine) and MAITRI are creating the foundations of more effective port operations that will minimize transaction time and enhance real-time data exchange. He also noted that India is collaborating with Singapore and the UAE toward enabling the seamless movement of cargo through the establishment of the Virtual Trade Corridors.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal stated, "India’s maritime vision, rooted in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, promotes collaboration and shared prosperity. As a reliable and responsible partner, India is committed to building a green, secure, and inclusive maritime future. Alongside Singapore and global partners, we aim to drive innovation and collective action for a resilient maritime ecosystem." During his visit, Sonowal engaged in high-level talks with Singapore's Senior Minister and former Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, and subsequently met with Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport. He also met with Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The focus of the discussions was on strengthening ties in trade and maritime cooperation.

Sonowal elaborated on India's plans and methodologies to come to terms with supply chain disruptions through trade corridors like IMEEC, Eastern Maritime Corridor, and North-South Transport Corridor. The intervention involved an investment of $20 billion, improvement in logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation. It is estimated that in 2047 India will be among five countries to be leading the global shipbuilding ranking due to reforms in policy and improvement in infrastructure. Furthermore, with a dedicated Maritime Development Fund, India hopes to increase its share of international cargo from 6% to 15%. GIFT City is also becoming an important hub for maritime finance and ship leasing, thereby providing a gateway for global investors into capital markets.

Sonowal highlighted that "India is advancing as a modern, self-reliant, and globally connected economy under PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The maritime sector is a key driver of economic growth, resilience, and sustainable connectivity. We are expanding port infrastructure, integrating logistics, and improving ease of doing business, resulting in greater efficiency, stronger cargo flows, and rising investor confidence."

India's maritime strategy finds its foundation upon sustainability. Sonowal announced other green initiatives, including the establishment of the Green Hydrogen Hub Ports in Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip, aimed at promoting low-emission shipping and green fuels. Major initiatives in the works include India's leadership in the IMO Green Voyage 2050, which helps developing states with energy transition. The India-Singapore Green and Digital Corridor would provide one more avenue for fostering cleaner energy and smart logistics.

In his concluding remarks, Sonowal stated, "Oceans unite us. Through partnerships, we can turn today’s maritime challenges into shared, sustainable opportunities. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to building Green Shipping Corridors and ensuring a resilient maritime future for all."

Sonowal also interacted with business people at SMW, the highlight being the meeting with Jeremy Nixon, Global CEO of ONE, and Masashi Hamada, besides other senior representatives from APM Terminals and Gateway Terminals. The interaction has led to discussions on enhancing cooperation between government and industry in the area of creating developments for increased innovation and efficiencies within the sector.