India Eyes Global Top 5 Shipbuilding Status: Sonowal Pitches Korea Partnership
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visits South Korea to boost shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime logistics under the VOYAGES framework.
In a strategic move to elevate India's maritime standing, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has embarked on a four-day visit to South Korea. The primary objective of this visit is to forge stronger ties and seek an India Korea shipbuilding partnership that spans shipbuilding, shipping, ports, and maritime logistics.
The visit began in Busan, widely recognized as the epicenter of South Korea's maritime prowess. During his first engagement, Minister Sonowal interacted with a dedicated community of Indian professionals currently employed in some of the world's most prestigious shipbuilding firms, including HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, DNV, and the Indian Register of Shipping.
The VOYAGES Framework: A Bridge to the Future
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sonowal emphasized that the cooperation between the two nations is guided by a specific framework known as VOYAGES. This framework was established in April during the state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to India.
The Minister urged the professionals to view VOYAGES as more than just a diplomatic agreement between two governments. Instead, he described it as a vital platform for professional growth and a cornerstone for the future of India's maritime sector. He highlighted that the framework specifically targets cooperation in shipping, maritime logistics, and the construction of vessels.
Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047
India has set ambitious targets to transform itself into a globally competitive hub for ship repair, maritime manufacturing, and shipbuilding. These goals are outlined under two major blueprints:
- Maritime India Vision 2030: Focusing on immediate infrastructure and efficiency upgrades.
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Aiming to place India among the top five shipbuilding nations in the world by the centenary of its independence.
To support these visions, the Indian Cabinet approved a series of policy incentives for the maritime sector in September 2025, signaling the government's commitment to attracting investment and innovation.
Call for Talent and Technology Transfer
Minister Sonowal identified a critical need for a diverse range of experts to drive this growth, including naval architects, marine engineers, designers, project managers, welders, and technology specialists. He encouraged the Indian diaspora in Korea to act as "living bridges" between the two nations.
The Minister proposed several ways for these professionals to contribute:
- Bringing their advanced Korean experience back to India.
- Supporting Indian companies from within Korea.
- Mentoring young Indian professionals.
- Participating in the India Ship Technology Centre and the skills partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
Seeking Practical Solutions
Beyond policy, the Minister sought direct, practical input from the professionals on three key challenges:
- Methods to enhance project execution and productivity within shipyards.
- Strategies to develop a workforce that is competitive on a global scale.
- Ways to deepen the synergy between Indian and Korean industries regarding innovation, manufacturing, and technology.
What Lies Ahead in the Visit
The Minister's itinerary in South Korea is packed with high-level engagements. He is scheduled to meet with leaders from global shipbuilding industries, maritime think tanks, and various research institutions. A major highlight of the trip will be his participation in a ministerial roundtable in Busan for World Maritime Day, which is expected to include the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and representatives from other leading maritime nations.