Sarbananda Sonowal: India's Maritime Legacy Overlooked for Years

New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated on Thursday that India's maritime legacy has faced neglect for several decades under former governments.

The two-day India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC) successfully concluded in the national capital today, marking a significant effort to rekindle academic interest in India's maritime past.

“India boasts a rich maritime history. Sadly, it has been overlooked for decades. With the inaugural India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC), the Central government is genuinely striving to restore academic attention on India's maritime heritage. The insightful discussions among maritime experts from leading global nations highlight how we can rejuvenate, recount, and reframe our maritime history to seek sustainable solutions for modern-day challenges,” remarked the minister.

The conclave attracted global experts and scholars from 11 countries, who came together to present, discuss, and seek sustainable resolutions to the current challenges in the world's maritime sector. While focusing on India, the international historians and maritime specialists emphasized the importance of the nation’s more than 5,000-year-old maritime history for mutual advancement.

Sonowal noted that India's maritime ascent reflects the country's evolution and resurgence as a significant global force.

“From improved port operations and logistics to large-scale infrastructure projects, India is gaining international recognition as it aspires to emerge as a major maritime nation by 2030,” stated the minister.

He further mentioned that the exploration of India's rich maritime history, particularly with the forthcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, is transforming the global viewpoint on India's shipping industry.

“At IMHC, we are establishing an academic forum for global experts to share their insights and eventually apply them to problem-solving, prioritizing the best interests of humanity through the sustainable use of our oceans,” he added.

Notable maritime nations, including Greece, Italy, and the UK, have collaborated to honor India's rich maritime heritage, emphasizing its worldwide importance.

With historical connections dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, this partnership illustrates how the global community is rediscovering Bharat's distinctive naval heritage.

The imminent National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal - which is home to the world’s first artificial dock - signifies a pivotal moment in commemorating India’s maritime legacy.