Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, in Oslo, Norway today. The meeting entailed discussions on multiple areas, including investment by Japanese Shipyards, collaboration on port digitisation and green port initiatives, an increase in Research and Development cooperation, upskilling human resources, and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan, among others. Both leaders agreed to deepen the maritime cooperation and collaboration in the maritime sector between India and Norway for a sustainable and mutually beneficial future.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in a statement, said that both ministers also discussed using sustainable technologies, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity to enable the Andaman Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep islands to be converted into Smart Islands.

Acknowledging the rich expertise of Japan in developing island territories, Mr. Sonowal said that Japan’s expertise in the maritime sector is highly valued. He added that they see scope for joint work in the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands, particularly in deploying renewable energy, smart mobility systems, and digital infrastructure. These initiatives will further both nations’ shared commitment to ecological conservation and regional maritime security.

Mr. Yoshimichi expressed that India and Japan have a very intimate relationship. He added that Japan has been engaged in railway infrastructure development with India, but is now very interested in the maritime sector.