Will Sarbananda Sonowal Strengthen Maritime Ties with Norway and Denmark?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening maritime ties with Norway and Denmark.
- Participation in high-level discussions on the Blue Economy.
- Inauguration of the inaugural India Pavilion at Nor-Shipping.
- Engagement with international leaders and companies.
- Focus on sustainable maritime practices and innovation.
New Delhi, June 1 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance maritime relations, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, will commence a five-day official trip to Norway and Denmark starting on June 2.
This visit is of strategic significance as the minister will head an Indian delegation consisting of senior officials from both the Central and state governments, along with key players from the private sector.
“The maritime industry is a key driver of economic advancement and national progress. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the world's fourth-largest economy, while striving to establish itself as a prominent maritime nation,” stated Sonowal.
“As we advance towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is essential to fully unlock the potential of our Blue Economy, which presents vast opportunities in trade, connectivity, clean energy, and innovation,” he emphasized.
During his visit, Sonowal is scheduled to speak at a high-level meeting on ocean affairs at the 60th Nor-Shipping event in Oslo and will inaugurate the inaugural ‘India Pavilion’ there.
He will also preside over the India@Nor-Shipping Country Session and engage in global outreach for the forthcoming ‘India Maritime Week 2025’, slated for October 27-31 in Mumbai.
On the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping event, the minister plans to hold bilateral discussions with counterparts from Japan and Norway, as well as meetings with prominent European shipping firms, component manufacturers, and technology innovators. Sonowal will also tour the Oslo Port Authority.
The India Pavilion will include a special exhibit of the ‘National Maritime Heritage Complex’ and will engage international delegates on India's rich 5000-year-old maritime heritage and its global connections, as per the ministry.
While in Denmark, among other activities, he will meet with students of the ‘Blue MBA’ at the Copenhagen Business School to discuss the economic opportunities that India’s rapid growth offers for future leaders and managers.
“My visit to Norway and Denmark — both acknowledged as global maritime frontrunners — is aimed at forging robust, future-oriented partnerships. These interactions will facilitate the exchange of best practices, exploration of joint ventures, and alignment of efforts for a more sustainable and resilient maritime ecosystem,” remarked the minister.