Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, will undertake a five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark starting 2 June. The visit is of strategic significance as Sonowal will lead a high-level Indian delegation comprising central and state government officials, as well as major private sector stakeholders.

During the trip, the Minister will address the High-Level Meeting on Oceans at the 60th Nor-Shipping event in Oslo, inaugurate the first-ever India Pavilion, chair the ‘India @ Nor-Shipping’ Country Session, and promote the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for 27–31 October in Mumbai. He will also meet his counterparts from Norway and Japan and hold discussions with key European shipping companies, component manufacturers, and technology developers.

The India Pavilion will feature a section dedicated to the National Maritime Heritage Complex, showcasing India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history and global trade links. Sonowal will also visit the Oslo Port Authority to deepen bilateral engagement on port-led development.

In Denmark, the Minister will deliver a talk at Copenhagen Business School’s Blue MBA programme, focusing on India’s economic potential and its implications for future global business leaders. Additionally, he will pay tribute at Minnehallen, the memorial honouring fallen Indian sailors of World War II.

Highlighting the broader significance of the visit, Sonowal stated, “India’s maritime sector is central to economic growth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we aim to position India as a key global maritime nation. As we progress towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, unlocking the Blue Economy’s potential is critical.”

He added that engagements with Norway and Denmark, both global maritime leaders, will help foster sustainable partnerships, share best practices, and strengthen India’s drive for a greener and resilient maritime future.

Sonowal will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, and maritime boards from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, along with major Indian shipyards and MSMEs.

Image source:maritimegateway