India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has signed an implementation plan with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to strengthen skill development in India’s shipbuilding and marine sector, the government said on Friday.
The agreement, signed on April 2, aims to support workforce mapping, identify skill gaps, and develop a comprehensive human resource roadmap for the sector.
Under the collaboration, KOICA will work alongside the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training and other stakeholders to conduct detailed research on India’s shipbuilding and marine engineering industries. The findings are expected to inform structured training programmes aligned with evolving industry requirements.
The initiative will also facilitate bilateral workshops in India and South Korea, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and academic experts to promote knowledge exchange and cooperation.
In addition, both sides are in advanced discussions to establish a ‘Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center’ in India. The proposed centre will focus on vocational training while enhancing technical capabilities and productivity within the sector.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the partnership would play a key role in building a skilled workforce.
“This collaboration is about creating a robust foundation for a new generation of highly skilled, technologically empowered maritime professionals,” he said.
He added that the initiative would strengthen institutional capacity, foster innovation, and generate high-quality employment opportunities, particularly for India’s youth.