India's maritime sector has recorded a 340 per cent rise in women's participation since 2020, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday, 7 May 2025, at the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi. The minister attributed the surge to targeted inclusion initiatives and said the shift reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision of combining maritime economic growth with social empowerment.

Sagar Mein Samman and the Push for Inclusion

Sonowal highlighted the government's 'Sagar Mein Samman' initiative as a key driver of the transformation. "Through initiatives like 'Sagar Mein Samman', we are advancing dignity, inclusion and leadership opportunities for women in the maritime sector, which has seen a remarkable rise of about 340 percent since 2020," he said in his keynote address.

The programme is designed to promote dignity, inclusion and leadership for women across port operations, shipping, and inland waterways — sectors historically dominated by men. Officials have framed it as a structural intervention rather than a symbolic gesture.

India's Maritime Strategy: The Human Element

Sonowal said India's maritime strategy places equal weight on the "human element" alongside security, connectivity and sustainability. He described the Indian Ocean as central to global trade, energy flows and supply chains, making regional cooperation increasingly critical.

"The Indian Ocean is not just a geographic space, but a global lifeline," Sonowal said, calling for collaborative approaches to address emerging maritime challenges. He stressed that no single country can tackle these challenges alone and urged greater cooperation grounded in transparency and respect for international law.

Regional Frameworks: SAGAR and MAHASAGAR

The minister reaffirmed India's alignment with frameworks including SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region — and MAHASAGAR, both of which seek to deepen regional cooperation and promote equitable development across the Indian Ocean Region. He also reiterated India's commitment to acting as a "net security provider" through humanitarian assistance, maritime surveillance and disaster response initiatives.

High-Level Attendance at the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue

The event drew senior figures from across the region, including Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful and Yemen's Minister of State Waleed Mohammed Al-Qadimi, alongside policymakers, academics and industry leaders. The dialogue serves as a platform for multilateral discussion on Indian Ocean governance, trade and security.

With women's representation in India's maritime workforce rising sharply and regional frameworks gaining traction, the sector's next phase will test whether policy momentum translates into measurable, sustained employment outcomes for women at all levels of the industry.