Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has invited South Korean companies to invest in India’s shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturing sector, seeking stronger cooperation in shipbuilding and logistics.
During his visit to Busan, South Korea, Sonowal addressed a ministerial roundtable on World Maritime Day and held discussions with the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA).
The outreach comes as India seeks to expand domestic shipbuilding capabilities and reduce its reliance on imported high-value marine equipment.
India calls for practical maritime cooperation
Sonowal said international maritime standards should remain ambitious and universal, while their implementation should account for differences in national circumstances, technological capabilities, development levels and access to finance.
He cited the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
The minister called for common standards and outcomes backed by cooperation that enables every member state to implement them effectively.
He described International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions as an operational guide for shipping amid geopolitical instability, piracy and disruptions in the Red Sea.
Sonowal also proposed practical partnerships to help countries implement maritime conventions. These could include joint working groups, training for surveyors and inspectors, assistance in drafting legislation and time-bound implementation plans.
He said such cooperation should build lasting national capabilities rather than create continuing dependence.
India highlights maritime reforms and ship recycling capacity
Sonowal said five maritime laws enacted in 2025 came into effect in March 2026. India’s Maritime Single Window covers 69 ports and terminals, according to the minister.
He also highlighted the Alang-Sosiya ship recycling yard in Gujarat, which has 115 facilities compliant with the Hong Kong Convention within the IMO framework.
These developments formed part of India’s efforts to strengthen its maritime regulatory framework and infrastructure.
KOMEA to open first India office in Mumbai
Sonowal’s meeting with KOMEA focused on expanding cooperation between Indian shipbuilders and South Korean marine equipment suppliers.
Founded in 1980, KOMEA represents 304 equipment manufacturers, design firms, shipbuilders and repair companies. Its members include HD Hyundai, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries.
KOMEA is scheduled to open its first India office in Mumbai on October 30. The move follows cooperation under the VOYAGES framework, which the two governments welcomed in April for shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics.
Sonowal said ships built in India require engines, propulsion systems, deck machinery, electrical equipment and navigation systems. He identified these components as opportunities for South Korean suppliers, noting that India currently imports much of this high-value equipment.
KOMEA Chairman Ho-il Kang said member companies had begun preparing to enter the Indian market within the next two years.
Companies including SB Sunbo, Daeyang, KASEMEC and JO Engineering discussed potential investments in India’s maritime sector.
India approved $7.8 billion shipbuilding package
India approved a shipbuilding package worth approximately $7.8 billion in September 2025.
The government is seeking to build on this investment by attracting foreign technology, equipment manufacturers and industrial partners. South Korean participation could support domestic supply chains as India expands its shipbuilding ambitions.
The discussions in Busan reflect India’s push to combine domestic manufacturing with international technical cooperation while strengthening its maritime infrastructure.
