New Delhi: In a significant step toward strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy and global outreach, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is set to embark on a crucial five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark starting June 2, 2025. The visit underscores India’s strategic intent to intensify global partnerships, attract foreign investment, and showcase its maritime vision under the banner of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Objectives of the Visit
As part of this high-level engagement, Shri Sonowal will lead a robust Indian delegation comprising top officials from the Central and State governments, along with representatives from leading Indian maritime enterprises, public sector units, and MSMEs. The overarching goal of the visit is to expand India’s presence on the global maritime map, foster international collaboration, and unlock the vast potential of the Blue Economy.
Participation in Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo
One of the key highlights of the visit is Shri Sonowal’s participation at the prestigious 60th Nor-Shipping event in Oslo, a premier global gathering of the maritime and ocean industries. He will:
-
Address the High-level Oceans Meeting at Nor-Shipping.
-
Inaugurate the first-ever India Pavilion, featuring a dedicated section on the National Maritime Heritage Complex.
-
Chair the special India @ Nor-Shipping Country Session, aimed at presenting India’s emerging maritime capabilities and investment landscape.
-
Conduct strategic outreach for the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled from October 27–31 in Mumbai.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
On the sidelines of Nor-Shipping, the Union Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Norway and Japan, focusing on advancing technology collaboration, clean shipping initiatives, and port modernization. These discussions aim to promote joint ventures, streamline regulatory cooperation, and attract cutting-edge technological solutions to Indian ports and shipyards.
In addition, the Minister will engage with leading European shipping companies, component manufacturers, and marine technology developers, positioning India as a reliable and attractive maritime partner.
Visit to Oslo Port Authority
As part of his engagements in Norway, Shri Sonowal will visit the Oslo Port Authority, where discussions will revolve around best practices in port infrastructure, green ports, and digital innovations in cargo and vessel handling. This aligns with India’s port modernization agenda under the Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti initiatives.
Interaction with Maritime Students in Denmark
In Denmark, Shri Sonowal will participate in an interactive session with students of the ‘Blue MBA’ programme at Copenhagen Business School, where he will speak on the economic and managerial opportunities presented by India’s growth trajectory, innovation-driven policies, and its rising prominence as a maritime powerhouse.
The session is expected to generate interest among future maritime leaders and managers to explore India as a promising destination for global partnerships and investments.
Honouring Fallen Indian Sailors in Denmark
In a solemn gesture, Shri Sonowal will also visit Minnehallen – The Hall of Remembrance, where he will pay homage to Indian sailors who sacrificed their lives during World War-II. The act symbolizes India’s deep maritime legacy and respect for those who contributed to global maritime history.
Statement by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Speaking ahead of his visit, Shri Sonowal said:
“The maritime sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and national development. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is not only the world’s fourth-largest economy but is also transforming into a global maritime force. Our aim is to fully harness the potential of the Blue Economy to drive trade, connectivity, clean energy, and innovation.”
He further added:
“My visit to Norway and Denmark — both regarded as global maritime innovation hubs — is focused on building resilient, future-ready partnerships. Through these engagements, we aim to share knowledge, attract investments, and co-create sustainable solutions that benefit both nations. We remain committed to a development model that is green, inclusive, and collaborative.”
India’s Delegation Composition
The Indian delegation accompanying the Union Minister includes:
-
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) officials
-
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
-
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
-
Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB)
-
Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB)
-
Government of Andhra Pradesh
-
Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board
-
Guidance Tamil Nadu
-
Leading Indian shipyards from the large enterprise and MSME sectors
The delegation reflects India’s commitment to multi-stakeholder participation and public-private synergy in shaping its maritime future.
For more details check press release on PIB website.
For more real time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
