The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has announced expanded maritime partnerships with multiple countries, focusing on port development, green shipping corridors and training opportunities for young seafarers. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held bilateral meetings with Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan, while Minister of State Shantanu Thakur engaged with Greece, Lithuania, Mozambique and Myanmar at the Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026. The discussions centre on investment in Indian port projects, development of green fuel infrastructure, and capacity building for maritime workers across the region.
Key facts
- Saudi Arabia’s Mawani authority expressed interest in investing in India’s Vadhavan and Galathea Bay port projects and the Maritime Development Fund
- A green shipping corridor is being explored between Indian ports and Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium
- National Waterway-2 and the Jogighopa terminal in Bhutan will serve as gateways for regional trade
- VOC Port has signed an agreement with Port of Antwerp for training in green shipping and green fuel technology
- India’s seafarer workforce has grown from 1.27 lakh to 3.23 lakh over twelve years, making it the world’s second-largest supplier
- Active women seafarers have increased from 1,599 in 2021 to 7,033 in 2025
- Port capacity has risen from 1,561 to 2,817 MTPA (million tonnes per annum)
- Cargo handled has increased from 1,052 to 1,668 million tonnes
- Inland waterways cargo has grown from 29 to 218 million tonnes
- Container vessel turnaround time has decreased from 35 to 23 hours
- India aims to achieve Mission 20% target for women seafarers by 2030
- Sagarmanthan 2026 attracted participants from more than 70 countries and 10 visiting ministers
Port investment and regional connectivity
Saudi Arabia has signalled its intention to participate in major Indian port projects, specifically Vadhavan and Galathea Bay. Both countries also discussed cooperation in shipbuilding, seafarer training and the development of resilient supply chains. Saudi Arabia’s interest extends to the Maritime Development Fund, which supports port infrastructure development.
Belgium’s engagement focuses on creating a green shipping corridor that would link Indian ports directly with the port complex of Antwerp-Bruges. This partnership includes cooperation on green fuels, smart port technology and dredging operations. The Port of Antwerp has already begun capacity building with VOC Port through an agreement on training in green shipping and fuel technologies.
For landlocked Bhutan, the focus is on opening regional waterways to global markets. National Waterway-2 and the Jogighopa terminal on the Brahmaputra river will function as gateways for Bhutanese trade. The two countries are also exploring the potential of the Manas and Sankosh rivers for cargo movement and have agreed to establish maritime training programmes for Bhutanese youth at a Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh.
Seafarer training and workforce development
India has become a major global supplier of trained maritime workers. Over twelve years, the number of Indian seafarers has nearly tripled from 1.27 lakh to 3.23 lakh, elevating India from fifth place globally in 2015 to the world’s second-largest supplier, accounting for over 12 per cent of the global maritime workforce.
Women’s participation in seafaring has grown substantially under the Sagar Mein Samman initiative, increasing from 1,599 active women seafarers in 2021 to 7,033 in 2025. India is targeting a 20 per cent share of women in the maritime workforce by 2030 through Mission 20%. Structured training now includes 150 hours of on-the-job training through shipyard-ITI partnerships and a six-month onboard programme for trainee ratings and maritime catering staff.
Green shipping and environmental commitments
India is building capacity for green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol production to establish its ports as green fuel bunkering hubs. This aligns with India’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. Belgium’s cooperation on smart port technology and green fuel infrastructure supports this transition. The ministry has called for converting these dialogues into joint research, investment and technology partnerships with other nations.
Performance metrics and dialogue outcomes
The Ministry highlighted significant growth in port infrastructure over the past twelve years. Port capacity has nearly doubled from 1,561 to 2,817 MTPA, while cargo handling has increased from 1,052 to 1,668 million tonnes. Inland waterways cargo has grown sevenfold from 29 to 218 million tonnes. Container vessel turnaround time, a key efficiency measure, has improved from 35 hours to 23 hours.
Sagarmanthan 2026 expanded significantly from its 2024 iteration, attracting participants from more than 70 countries including 10 visiting ministers, compared to 1,700 delegates from 61 countries the previous year. The dialogue has produced over 100 publications supporting India’s role in global maritime governance.
What this means for you
Young Indians seeking maritime careers will benefit from expanded training opportunities both domestically and through partnerships with international ports and shipping authorities. Women entering the maritime sector will find growing support through dedicated initiatives and international cooperation. Businesses involved in port operations, shipbuilding and shipping will gain access to new investment partnerships, technology transfers and market opportunities. Students pursuing seafaring or maritime trades can expect structured training programmes combining classroom instruction with practical onboard experience.
What happens next
The Ministry will develop detailed work plans for the memoranda of understanding signed with partner nations. Implementation of the green shipping corridor with Belgium and the Bhutan waterway projects will proceed according to agreed timelines. Maritime training centres will expand their capacity to accommodate increased demand from both Indian and international students.