India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in maritime heritage, marking a key milestone in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat, according to an official release issued on Sunday.
The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel. It brings together the NMHC—being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways—and the National Maritime Museum (NMM) in Amsterdam.
Under the agreement, both sides will collaborate on the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices in maritime museum design, curation and conservation. The partnership will also facilitate joint exhibitions, collaborative research projects and cultural exchange programmes. In addition, the MoU explores innovative approaches to enhance visitor experience, education and public outreach.
The NMHC at Lothal is envisioned as a world-class heritage complex showcasing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime legacy. Collaboration with the Amsterdam-based museum is expected to enhance its global profile, promote inclusive education and tourism, and ensure affordable access for students, local communities and underprivileged groups.
Quoting Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the release said, “The MoU between the NMHC at Lothal and the NMM in Amsterdam is a landmark step in taking India’s rich 4,500-year maritime legacy to the global stage. This partnership will bring world-class expertise in conservation, curation and museum design, while strengthening cultural ties between India and the Netherlands. It also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of combining heritage with innovation to promote inclusive education, tourism and people-to-people connections.”
The agreement underscores growing cultural cooperation between India and the Netherlands and highlights the role of maritime heritage in fostering international collaboration and public engagement.