Tue Nov 19 09:13:53 UTC 2024: ## India Hosts Major Maritime Summit, “Sagarmanthan,” to Foster Global Cooperation
**New Delhi, India –** Over 1,700 delegates from 61 countries convened in Delhi today for the inaugural “Sagarmanthan: The Ocean’s Dialogue,” a two-day maritime summit aimed at forging partnerships for a prosperous future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message to the event, emphasized the importance of a free, open, and secure maritime network, aligning with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. He highlighted India’s rich maritime history and its vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by 2047, stating that such dialogues are crucial for building consensus and partnerships.
The summit, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation, features global maritime leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and scholars. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal delivered the opening address, outlining India’s Maritime Vision 2047, a roadmap to establish India as a maritime trade leader through sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and technological advancements. He highlighted key initiatives like Sagarmala and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, along with major port projects.
International participation was significant, with addresses from ministers representing Greece, Maldives, and Argentina, among others. Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs, Christos Stylianides, stressed the need for a stable regulatory framework and global collaboration. India’s Minister of State for Ports, Shantanu Thakur, emphasized the nation’s commitment to both ecological preservation and energy innovation. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, underscored the responsible harnessing of ocean resources for sustainable growth.
The summit’s agenda includes discussions on maritime connectivity, decarbonization, and sustainable shipping practices. India’s ambitious maritime strategy, involving a massive ₹80 lakh crore (approximately $96 billion USD) investment, aims to expand port capacity, improve shipping efficiency, and enhance inland waterways, while also focusing on reducing carbon emissions through initiatives like the Harit Sagar Guidelines and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Minister Sonowal also held bilateral discussions with his Greek counterpart to strengthen maritime ties between the two nations. The event concluded with a strong emphasis on international cooperation to build a sustainable and prosperous maritime future.
First Piper 