In a landmark step to strengthen maritime ties, India and Japan have opened fresh chapters of cooperation spanning shipbuilding, port digitisation, and green port initiatives. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, met with Mr. Terada Yoshimichi, Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs (MLITT), during the ongoing Oslo meet, aiming to unlock mutual opportunities in the fast-evolving maritime sector.
What’s on the table?
- Japanese Investment in Indian Shipyards:
India has invited top Japanese shipbuilding giants like Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to explore investments and JVs with Indian yards—including potential greenfield projects such as Imabari’s planned presence in Andhra Pradesh.
- Port Digitisation & Smart Infrastructure:
Plans include joint efforts in port automation, digitisation, and smart logistics platforms, which will boost efficiency and transparency across the Indo-Japanese maritime corridor.
- Green Port & Clean Energy Hubs:
Both nations are exploring co-development of clean energy maritime clusters, including sustainable port infrastructure and disaster-resilient technologies to transform the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands into Smart Islands.
- Seafarer Training & Human Resource Upskilling:
Japan expressed keen interest in training and employing Indian seafarers, while India emphasised the importance of bilateral cooperation in maritime education and R&D.
- Research & Development Collaboration:
The meeting also focused on setting up an MoU framework involving Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Indian universities, and public agencies to develop next-generation ship designs and sustainable marine technologies.
Why it matters:
“Japan’s global expertise in shipbuilding and repair, coupled with India’s fast-growing maritime sector, presents a win-win scenario for both nations. This collaboration will not only drive investments but also make our port infrastructure greener, smarter, and future-ready,” said Mr. Sonowal.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yoshimichi reaffirmed Japan’s interest in expanding its long-standing railway cooperation with India into the maritime space—laying the groundwork for a broader Indo-Japanese economic partnership.
Quick Highlights:
- Japanese shipyard investments eyed for Andhra Pradesh & beyond
- Smart Port Digitisation collaboration underway
- Plans for Green Port & clean energy industrial hubs
- Mutual interest in seafarer training, R&D, and next-gen ship design
- Possibility of Cochin Shipyard-led innovation partnerships
