Union ministry of ports and shipping and waterway Sarbananda Sonowal and Japan’s Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, on Monday agreed to transform Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands into “smart islands.”
“Japan’s expertise in this area is highly valued. We see scope for joint work in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands, particularly in deploying renewable energy, smart mobility systems, and digital infrastructure. These initiatives will further our shared commitment to ecological conservation and regional maritime security,” said Sonowal.
The two ministers discussed attracting investments from Japanese shipyards, fostering cooperation in port digitisation and green port initiatives, increasing research and development collaboration, upskilling human resources, and expanding the employment of Indian seafarers in Japan.
Further, the meeting also explored potential greenfield investments by shipyards, such as Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh. The ministers further assessed opportunities for co-development of ports and maritime industrial clusters, envisioning them as clean energy hubs for mutual benefit.
Sonowal also expressed India’s interest in leading Japanese shipbuilding companies such as Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to explore joint ventures and collaborative arrangements with Indian yards.
“Japan’s expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair is well recognised, and I see great scope for collaboration in this area. We also invite Japan’s Big Three maritime companies—NYK Line, MOL, and K Line—to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities in India’s growing maritime sector,” Sonowal added.
Sonowal is on a five-day visit to Norway and Denmark beginning June 2, aimed at strengthening maritime ties with these two countries.