India’s Maritime Push Is Powered by Partnerships

 

 

 

 

India and Singapore are joining hands to launch a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor that serves as a clean-fuel, tech-driven link between major ports. The MoU will be signed next month. It’s a first-of-its-kind partnership for India, and it signals a larger shift.

 

 

 

 

India’s maritime sector is no longer working in isolation. We are building it with the world.

 

 

 

 

Over the past year, India has actively partnered with multiple countries across shipping, ports, cruise tourism, and inland waterways. These are not symbolic pacts. They’re built around investments, technology sharing, and long-term goals.

 

 

 

 

Take shipbuilding. Cochin Shipyard is exporting vessels. Garden Reach Shipbuilders is in talks with African and ASEAN nations. India and Japan are jointly training young shipbuilders. Korea has explored modular shipyard investments in Indian coastal states.

 

 

 

 

On inland waterways, India and Bangladesh have strengthened the protocol routes. River cargo now flows directly between the two nations, saving cost and emissions. Nepal too has joined the framework, giving the region new trade pathways.

 

 

 

 

In cruise tourism, Italy is a key partner. The Cruise Bharat Mission, launched this year, is working with global players to develop terminals and attract international liners. Mumbai, Kochi, and Goa are being positioned as major hubs.

 

 

 

 

Green shipping is another big focus. Norway and the Netherlands are supporting our transition. India is learning from European ports on using hydrogen, LNG, and shore power to reduce port emissions. The upcoming Singapore corridor fits into this vision.

 

 

 

 

These partnerships are not just about building hardware. They bring technical know-how, training, environmental standards, and innovation. India’s big maritime plans — Sagarmala 2.0, PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030 — need global expertise to deliver at scale.