New Delhi recently witnessed the inaugural edition of the Sagarmanthan: The Ocean’s Dialogue, which has been dubbed South Asia's largest maritime thought leadership summit. The event kicked off with grandeur, welcoming representatives from over 60 countries to discuss pressing issues surrounding maritime trade and sustainable ocean practices.
At the core of this ambitious summit lies the vision put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who declared the dialogues as pivotal for building global partnerships aimed at fostering maritime prosperity. With his message underscoring the importance of inclusivity and innovation, PM Modi said, “Collaborations and discussions drive inclusive and innovative maritime growth. This dialogue on the oceans strengthens the rules-based world order, fostering peace, trust, and friendship among nations.”
The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), drew attention not only from policymakers but also from industry leaders and scholars. Modi’s message, delivered from his office, highlighted India’s commitment to creating a free, open, and secure maritime network, particularly within the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions. He emphasized the role of marine resources as central to sustainable growth for nations involved.
India's maritime history, rich and expansive, was also noted by the Prime Minister. He referred to the ancient port cities of Lothal and Dholavira and the illustrious naval prowess of ancient empires such as the Chola dynasty and the exploits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Modi reiterated the significance oceans hold as the lifeline for international trade, intertwining the security and prosperity of nations with the stability of oceanic routes.
“Recognizing the potential of oceans, several transformative steps have been taken to bolster India’s maritime capabilities,” he stated, mentioning the grand initiatives like 'Ports of Prosperity' which have doubled India’s port capacities and improved overall logistics through enhanced expressway and railway connectivity.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal expressed gratitude for the success of Sagarmanthan, encapsulating Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' or developed India by 2047. He spoke about India’s Maritime Vision 2047 as "a roadmap to transform the maritime sector by fostering sustainability, enhancing connectivity, and leveraging technology.” Sonowal noted how the government aims to position India as a leader in global maritime trade, aligning with goals set forth during the summit.
The ambitious plans include targets for port handling capacity of 10,000 million metric tons annually by 2047, facilitated through strategic initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor. India is also revitalizing its shipbuilding legacy with the establishment of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal and advancing clean-fuel shipbuilding technologies.
Several distinguished speakers contributed to the inaugural session, including Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides and Maldives’ Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources Dr. Amzath Ahmed. The event, which attracted over 1,700 participants, offered platforms for attendees to engage with various issues related to maritime connectivity, technological innovation, and global governance.
Minister Stylianides highlighted the necessity for establishing stable regulatory frameworks to promote fairness and sustainability within the maritime sector. He stressed the importance of reaping opportunities from current maritime challenges and underscored international transport systems with shipping at their core, focusing on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
While the discussions were primarily focused on maritime trade and sustainability, there was also considerable emphasis on digital advancements within Indian ports. The Ministry has been working on integrating renewable energy and decarbonized shipping practices as part of its long-term vision to transform India’s shoreline and increase connectivity across sea routes.
Sonowal noted, “Key projects such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala and new mega ports at Vadhavan and Galathea Bay reinforce our commitment to enhancing port capacity and establishing India as the world’s maritime hub.”
The success of the Sagarmanthan summit lays the groundwork for future global maritime collaborations, as nations recognize the importance of cooperative dialogues and partnerships for the sustainable use of ocean resources. Modi's vision lingers as not just words, but as the catalyst for long-term global maritime strategies.
India is at the cusp of significant development within the maritime sector, and dialogues like Sagarmanthan are seen as necessary for nurturing relationships across borders, paving the way for mutual benefits through stronger maritime practices.
Through dialogues, reflections on the past, and extensive planning for the future, the Sagarmanthan summit offers hope for revitalizing the maritime domain, proving to be more than just another conference. It could very well shape the policies affecting oceans and international waters across new maritime landscapes.
