New Delhi: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to embark on a significant five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark, commencing June 2. This high-level tour underscores India’s growing strategic maritime ambitions and its commitment to fostering international collaborations in the blue economy. Minister Sonowal will lead a formidable ‘Team India’ delegation, comprising senior government officials from both central and state administrations, alongside prominent private sector players.
The itinerary in Norway includes a pivotal address at the High-level Meeting on Oceans, held during the 60th edition of the renowned Nor-Shipping event in Oslo. A key highlight will be the inauguration of the first-ever ‘India Pavilion’ at the event, a significant step in showcasing India’s maritime capabilities and heritage on a global platform. Minister Sonowal is also slated to chair the ‘India @ Nor-Shipping Country Session’ and will utilise the occasion to globally outreach for the upcoming ‘India Maritime Week 2025’, scheduled from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai.
On the sidelines of Nor-Shipping, a series of crucial bilateral meetings are on the cards for Minister Sonowal. He is scheduled to engage with his ministerial counterparts from Japan and Norway, alongside interactions with leading European shipping companies, component manufacturers, and technology developers. The Minister will also visit the Oslo Port Authority, further cementing operational insights and potential partnerships. The India Pavilion at Nor-Shipping will prominently feature a dedicated section for the ‘National Maritime Heritage Complex’, engaging global delegates with India’s rich 5000-year-old civilisational maritime legacy and its global linkages.
Speaking on the importance of this visit, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal affirmed, “The maritime sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and national development. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has not only become the world’s fourth-largest economy but is also working towards securing its place as a major maritime nation. As we move forward toward realising the vision of Modi Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is vital that we unlock the full potential of our Blue Economy, which offers immense opportunities in trade, connectivity, clean energy, and innovation.”
The Danish leg of the visit will see Minister Sonowal interacting with students of the prestigious ‘Blue MBA’ at the Copenhagen Business School. This engagement aims to highlight the economic opportunities presented by India’s high-growth journey for future managers and leaders. A solemn moment will also be observed as Minister Sonowal visits Minnehallen, “The Hall of Remembrance,” to pay homage to the Indian sailors who lost their lives during World War II.
Elaborating on the strategic objectives, Minister Sonowal stated, “My visit to Norway and Denmark — both recognised as global maritime leaders — is aimed at building strong, future-ready partnerships. These engagements will help us exchange best practices, explore joint ventures, and align efforts for a greener and more resilient maritime ecosystem. We believe in a development model that is sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial, and this visit reflects our commitment to that shared vision.” The Indian delegation accompanying Minister Sonowal includes senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), along with representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB), the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, Guidance Tamil Nadu, and leading large and MSME Indian Shipyards, reflecting a comprehensive representation of India’s maritime ecosystem.
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