The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is all set to conduct a pivotal Stakeholders Meet tomorrow for implementing the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023). This high-profile event, hosted in the nation’s capital, aims to transform these MoUs into tangible, actionable plans, propelling India towards its ambitious maritime goals.
Spearheading the event is Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with Shri Shripad Y. Naik and Shri Shantanu Thakur, Ministers of State for the Ministry. Their collective presence underscores the government’s commitment to India’s maritime sector.
The focus of the Stakeholders Meet is to further the momentum gained from GMIS 2023. By facilitating discussions and inputs from various stakeholders, the meet seeks to address challenges and identify necessary policy support for achieving the MoUs’ objectives. This collaborative approach is pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of the agreements.
A significant highlight of the event is the launch of several key initiatives: the Saagar Aankalan Guidelines, the GMIS Report, and the introduction of an M. Tech program in Dredging Technology at IIT Chennai. These initiatives are expected to provide a substantial boost to India’s maritime infrastructure and education.
GMIS 2023 marked a global milestone in the maritime sector, attracting an unprecedented investment commitment of ₹10 lakh crores over its three-day duration. The summit was a resounding success, evidenced by the signing of 360 MoUs, accounting for an investment of ₹8.35 lakh crores, and the announcement of additional projects worth ₹1.68 lakh crores. These MoUs cover a wide spectrum of maritime activities, including port development, green hydrogen and ammonia, cruise sector, and shipbuilding, demonstrating the breadth of India’s maritime ambitions.
The “Sagar Aankalan” Guidelines are set to be a game-changer for Indian ports. These guidelines aim to establish national benchmarks for port performance, focusing on logistics efficiency, harmonization with global standards, and enhancing competitiveness. The primary goals include improving productivity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, setting a new standard for Indian ports in the global maritime arena.
This significant event marks a decisive step towards realizing India’s maritime vision, with a clear focus on collaboration, innovation, and strategic development in the maritime sector.