Sonowal Highlights Maritime Sector’s Role During Exchange of Key MoUs at Delhi School of Economics

In a significant move to bolster India’s maritime ecosystem and align it with the country’s long-term economic ambitions, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today highlighted the transformative role of the maritime sector during the exchange of two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at the Delhi School of Economics.

The agreements aim to deepen collaboration between academia and policy institutions, with a strong focus on maritime education, research, and skill development, positioning India as a future global leader in the Blue Economy.

Strengthening Maritime Talent and Knowledge Ecosystem

A key MoU was signed between the University of Delhi and the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). The partnership is designed to:

• Develop academic frameworks for maritime studies

• Promote joint research and policy analysis

• Conduct training programmes and capacity-building initiatives

• Enhance career guidance and professional opportunities for students

Describing the collaboration as a “forward-looking step,” Shri Sonowal emphasized that building a strong maritime talent pipeline is essential to meeting the sector’s growing demand for skilled professionals.

“As we move towards Viksit Bharat, the maritime sector will play an even more transformative role in driving economic growth, trade competitiveness and sustainable development,” he said.

Maritime Sector Key to India’s Economic Growth

Highlighting India’s strategic advantages, the Minister noted:

• A coastline of over 11,000 kilometres

• 111 National Waterways

He stressed that leveraging these assets is critical to enhancing trade, logistics efficiency, and regional connectivity.

India’s maritime vision, guided by the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR doctrines, reflects a broader commitment to:

• Maritime security

• Regional cooperation

• Sustainable and inclusive growth

Human Capital at the Core of Maritime Ambitions

Shri Sonowal underscored that human capital development will be central to India’s maritime transformation.

• India’s seafaring workforce has nearly tripled over the past 12 years

• Currently contributes about 12% of the global maritime workforce

• Target to reach 20% by 2030

This expansion highlights India’s growing role as a global supplier of maritime talent, supported by enhanced education and training ecosystems.

Integrated Approach Driving Maritime Transformation

The Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy driving India’s maritime growth, including:

• Port modernisation and infrastructure upgrades

• Multi-modal connectivity integration

• Sustainability initiatives and green shipping

• Digitalisation of maritime operations

Flagship initiatives such as Sagarmala and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 are playing a pivotal role in accelerating this transformation.

Expanding Opportunities in Emerging Maritime Domains

The MoU is expected to open new avenues for students and researchers in high-growth areas such as:

• Maritime logistics

• Supply chain management

• Green and sustainable shipping

• Maritime policy and governance

These domains are critical to building a globally competitive and environmentally sustainable Blue Economy.

Additional MoU to Boost Policy Research

An additional MoU was also exchanged between RIS and the Delhi School of Economics (DSE), focusing on:

• Public policy research

• Academic collaboration

• Training and knowledge dissemination

This partnership aims to strengthen India’s capacity in evidence-based policymaking in maritime and economic sectors.

Toward a Global Maritime Leadership Role

The event brought together senior officials, academic leaders, and students, marking a key step toward integrating education, research, and policy frameworks in India’s maritime sector.

Shri Sonowal reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is aligning:

• Education

• Innovation

• Policy

to emerge as a global maritime powerhouse.

As India advances toward its vision of Viksit Bharat, the maritime sector—supported by strong academic partnerships and skilled human capital—is poised to become a major engine of economic growth, trade expansion, and sustainable development.