The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed a Plan of Implementation on two April 2026 to advance skill development in India's shipbuilding sector. The project, titled Support the Establishment of Development Strategies and to Build a Foundation for Skilled and Professional Talents for the Indian Shipbuilding and Marine Sector, is aligned with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and seeks to position shipbuilding as a strategic driver of economic growth and global maritime standing.

Under the agreement, KOICA, supported by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training and other stakeholders, will undertake comprehensive research into India's shipbuilding and marine engineering industries. The initiative will focus on workforce mapping, skill gap assessment, and the development of a master plan and actionable roadmap for human resource development in the sector. It will also aim to align training programmes with industry needs and emerging technological demands.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the partnership as a defining moment in India's maritime journey and indicated that the collaboration would support the creation of a new generation of highly skilled maritime professionals. He emphasised that leveraging the Republic of Korea's technological expertise alongside national priorities would strengthen institutional capacity, foster innovation and generate employment opportunities for youth. The project was presented as reinforcing the government's commitment to an Atmanirbhar and future oriented maritime sector.

A series of bilateral workshops on workforce development are planned in India and the Republic of Korea to bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers and academic experts to exchange best practices. Discussions are at an advanced stage for the establishment of a Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India, which will provide industry oriented vocational training and technical upskilling tailored to the shipbuilding ecosystem. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of India's shipbuilding and marine sectors and to mark a milestone in the country's aspiration to be a global shipbuilding hub.