New Delhi: The inaugural edition of Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, concluded successfully, emphasizing sustainable development and innovation in India’s maritime sector. Organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the event witnessed participation from over 1,700 delegates across 61 countries, including global leaders and experts in maritime affairs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the event virtually, hailed Sagarmanthan as pivotal to realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. “Our efforts to create a free, open, and secure maritime network align with the global vision for sustainable growth. Such dialogues foster partnerships, consensus, and a prosperous future for humanity,” PM Modi stated.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal outlined India’s ambitions to become a global shipbuilding leader, aiming to rank among the top 10 ship manufacturers by 2030 and top five by 2047. “With modernization, digitization, and mechanization, India is poised to handle 10,000 million tonnes of cargo by 2047,” he added.
The event, centered around four themes—New Frontiers, Blue Growth, Green & Blue, and Coasts & Communities—focused on sustainable development, innovative solutions, and global partnerships. Discussions spanned crucial topics like the blue economy, green energy, shipbuilding, and inclusive maritime governance.
Prominent sessions included the use of alternative fuels like green ammonia and the digitization of shipping logistics. Experts highlighted India’s advancements in inland waterways and seafaring, with the country now ranked third globally in seafarer numbers. The Sagar Mein Samman initiative was lauded for supporting women in maritime roles.
Global voices, including Carl Bildt (Sweden) and Mehdi Jomaa (Tunisia), emphasized the strategic importance of India’s maritime sector, which handles 95% of the nation’s trade by volume and has seen significant port capacity growth. Experts also called for deeper international collaboration to integrate greener technologies without disrupting supply chains.
The dialogue underscored India’s position as a maritime hub, with a fleet of 1,530 ships and significant contributions to global shipping and ship recycling. As the event concluded, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur expressed optimism: “This platform reaffirms India’s strength in maritime trade and our commitment to sustainable growth. Under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, India is scripting a bold, inclusive maritime story.”
Sagarmanthan has laid the foundation for actionable insights, paving the way for India to emerge as a global leader in the maritime ecosystem.