India and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in maritime heritage, marking a key step towards the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat. The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, bringing together the Lothal project under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam.

Under the agreement, the two sides will collaborate on knowledge exchange and best practices in maritime museum design, curation and conservation. The partnership will support joint exhibitions, research initiatives and cultural exchange programmes, while exploring innovative approaches to enhance visitor experience, education and public outreach. The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the global profile of the National Maritime Heritage Complex and promote inclusive access for students, local communities and underprivileged groups.

The National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal is envisaged as a world-class destination showcasing India’s 4,500-year maritime legacy. Cooperation with the Amsterdam-based museum is expected to add international expertise and support the development of affordable, high-quality heritage education and tourism. Commenting on the agreement, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the partnership would take India’s maritime heritage to the global stage while strengthening cultural ties between India and the Netherlands and aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of blending heritage with innovation.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment by both countries to preserve and promote maritime heritage while deepening people-to-people and cultural linkages. During the meeting, the two ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in the maritime and shipping sectors, including green shipping initiatives, port development and shipbuilding, drawing on the long maritime histories of both nations.