Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Visits South Korea to Promote India's Shipbuilding Sector

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has commenced a four-day visit to South Korea, focusing on pitching India's maritime opportunities to the Korean industry. The diplomatic and economic engagement aims to expand bilateral cooperation in the shipbuilding sector.

Sonowal started his trip in Busan, recognized as the hub of Korea's maritime industry, by holding a meeting with Indian professionals working in the Korean shipbuilding sector. India's Ambassador to South Korea, Gourangalal Das, welcomed the gathering and introduced the community, which includes individuals from prominent firms such as Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai, DNV, and the Indian Register of Shipping.

During the interaction, Sonowal highlighted the VOYAGES framework, which was adopted in April during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to India. The framework covers cooperation across shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime logistics. He urged the professionals to view the agreement as more than just a government pact, describing it as a platform for their professional growth and India's maritime future.

The Union Minister outlined India's broader ambitions to develop into a globally competitive center for shipbuilding, ship repair, maritime manufacturing, and logistics. These goals are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. According to Sonowal, realizing these ambitions will require a significant increase in shipbuilders, marine engineers, naval architects, designers, welders, project managers, and technology specialists.

Sonowal encouraged the diaspora to bring their Korean experience back to India or support Indian companies from abroad, suggesting they act as living bridges between networks in both nations. He also invited them to mentor young Indian professionals and participate in initiatives such as the India Ship Technology Centre and the shipbuilding skills partnership between India and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

Seeking actionable input, Sonowal asked the professional community for practical suggestions on three key areas: improving shipyard productivity and project execution, building a globally competitive skilled workforce, and deepening cooperation between Indian and Korean industries in technology, manufacturing, and innovation. He reiterated that India is actively looking for partnerships with Korea in shipbuilding, shipping, ports, and maritime logistics.

The remainder of Sonowal's schedule in South Korea includes meetings with leaders of global shipbuilding industries, engagements with maritime industry bodies, and visits to maritime think tanks and research institutions. Additionally, he is set to participate in a ministerial roundtable in Busan for World Maritime Day, which is expected to feature ministerial representatives from major maritime nations alongside the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation.

"This diplomatic and industry outreach to South Korea highlights India's strategic focus on scaling its maritime and manufacturing capabilities. By leveraging established frameworks like VOYAGES and engaging the Indian professional diaspora abroad, the government is laying the groundwork for technology transfer and workforce development. For businesses in the maritime, logistics, and heavy engineering sectors, this cross-border collaboration signals upcoming opportunities in shipyard development, skill training, and technical partnerships." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes