India aims to become a global maritime hub: Sonowal

 

BIMSTEC Ports Conclave focuses on wide-ranging collaboration in the Bay of Bengal Region

India aims to emerge as a global maritime hub, said Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, while speaking at the inauguration of the second Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam. 

The Prime Minister’s Vision 2030 and 2047 aims to make India a global maritime leader, he stressed, adding that the Conclave stands as a springboard to unlock the immense potential of the blue economy from the Bay of Bengal region. India has a Neighbourhood First policy and sees BIMSTEC nations as key partners in regional prosperity. 

Hosted by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), the two-day conclave is themed ‘Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships’, bringing together policymakers, high-end officials, maritime experts, port authorities, private sector stakeholders and academic scholars  from all seven BIMSTEC nations, i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka & Thailand.

“We want this platform to enhance collaboration among all member nations for strengthening port-led industrialisation, digital integration and skill development which in turn will boost cruise tourism and foster coastal economic zones. Together, we aim to create a seamless and efficient network of ports that can serve as engines of growth. Through joint feasibility studies, PPP, and skill development of our maritime workforce, we can transform our region into a thriving hub of global trade, tourism, and sustainable economic progress,” Mr Sonowal emphasised.

Building upon the momentum of the 1st BIMSTEC Ports Conclave, the meet aims to operationalise the recently signed BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), facilitate dialogue on port-led development, and foster 

deeper integration in maritime trade, logistics, cruise tourism and skill development. The Conclave is designed to chart a common path towards a sustainable, resilient and integrated maritime future for the Bay of Bengal, promoting robust economic growth while ensuring environmental stewardship. India was first to ratify the agreement. The Minister called for the speedy ratification of AMTC and its implementation.

He announced that a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre will be established under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. Underlining the role of this centre to operationalise AMTC BIMSTEC, Mr Sonowal said, “The centre marks a significant step forward in operationalising the BIMSTEC AMTC pact. This Centre will act as a catalyst for harmonising maritime policies, advancing digital and green transformation, and building the skills and capacity of our maritime workforce. By fostering collaboration and innovation, it will help reduce trade costs, enhance connectivity, and position the Bay of Bengal as a vibrant, sustainable hub of regional and global trade.”

Key sessions

The Conclave featured two key sessions shaping BIMSTEC’s maritime future. The first focused on boosting private sector investment and PPPs to overcome outdated infrastructure and limited coordination, proposing a regional PPP facilitation platform and harmonised laws. The second explored opportunities from shifting global supply chains, highlighting prospects to attract manufacturing hubs in shipbuilding, logistics, electronics, and renewables. Both sessions stressed the need for coordinated strategies, improved connectivity, and policy reforms to unlock the Bay of Bengal’s potential as a resilient trade and industry hub.

The sessions also focused on harmonising Customs and logistics to boost intra-regional trade, and unlocking cruise tourism’s potential through PPPs and joint branding. Panels explored plans for port-linked industrial zones, digital integration, and sustainable cruise routes, alongside proposals for a BIMSTEC Ports Coordination Centre and a regional Port Community System. Emphasis was placed on joint investment in multimodal logistics parks, SEZs, and enhancing hinterland connectivity. The need to upskill the maritime workforce through cross-border training, industry-academia ties, and green shipping innovation was highlighted as crucial to the region’s future. Collectively, these discussions charted a strategic roadmap to transform the Bay of Bengal into a resilient trade, tourism, and logistics hub.

Kaladan project a ‘transformative gateway’

On the Kaladaan project, which was discussed at the event, the Minister said, “The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project stands as a transformative gateway connecting India’s Northeast to the Bay of Bengal, dramatically reducing transit time and trade costs while unlocking new economic opportunities for the region… Kaladan is not just a bilateral initiative with Myanmar, but a model for seamless regional connectivity across BIMSTEC. By linking ports, trade corridors and value chains, it has the potential to catalyse inclusive growth, deepen integration with our neighbours, and bring the Northeast closer to the global marketplace. Through collaborative planning and policy alignment, Kaladan can truly become a cornerstone of our shared vision for prosperity and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal.”

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