Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
“Green & Digital Corridors are engines of economic growth, innovation, and sustainability:” Sarbananda Sonowal
“Vadhavan Port is poised to be among the world’s top 10 ports from its very first day of operations:” Devendra Fadnavis
“India–Singapore partnership in Green and Digital Shipping is a model for global cooperation:” Gan Kim Yong
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), organised the “Leaders’ Dialogue on Green & Digital Maritime Corridors” in Mumbai today, setting the stage for India Maritime Week in October, 2025. The event brought together over 300 delegates including senior government officials, international dignitaries, industry leaders, key maritime stakeholders from India and abroad.
In a video message, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our bilateral relations with Singapore have expanded across sectors. The India–Singapore Green & Digital Shipping Corridor will accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, strengthen digital tools, and transform maritime operations. These corridors are not just trade routes but economic, green, and digital pathways that will redefine global trade dynamics.”
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s maritime roadmap with goals till 2029, 2035, and 2047, said, “Vadhavan Port is poised to be among the top ten ports globally from the very first day of operations, transforming the maritime infrastructure ecosystem of India.”
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Gan Kim Yong, lauded the 60-year India–Singapore partnership, noting, “Our collaboration in green shipping, renewable energy, and maritime innovation will accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.” Acting Minister for Transport, Singapore, Jeffrey Siow, said, “India and Singapore are natural allies in the maritime sector. The upcoming MoU on the Green & Digital Shipping Corridor, to be concluded in September 2025, will provide a robust platform for joint work on technology and sustainability.”
Addressing the gathering, T K Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW, highlighted the role of international corridors in promoting trade, maritime governance, and regional integration, noting that the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) are “engines of growth, driving global maritime integration and sustainable development.” He added that the India–Singapore Green & Digital Shipping Corridor, formalised through a Letter of Intent in March 2025, aligns with both nations’ priorities in clean energy, smart logistics, and digital innovation.
R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), MoPSW, briefed the gathering on IMW 2025 as the Ministry’s flagship platform to showcase India’s maritime capabilities, innovation, policy vision, and global partnerships, stating, “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision is more than a tagline — it is our commitment to bringing the world’s maritime stakeholders together in the current geopolitical environment.”
Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA and CMD, VPPL, in his welcome address, emphasised JNPA’s pivotal role in driving India’s maritime vision and called for charting a course towards “greener, smarter, more connected corridors.” The day-long dialogue featured thematic sessions on maritime reforms, infrastructure achievements, and international cooperation, followed by panel discussions on resilient and sustainable maritime economic corridors.
India Maritime Week 2025 will convene global and domestic stakeholders to foster innovation, policy dialogue, and investment, contributing to the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The Leaders’ Dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to advancing the India–Singapore Green & Digital Shipping Corridor. The event was supported by ASSOCHAM as Industry Partner and Grant Thornton Bharat LLP as Knowledge Partner.
The India Maritime Week, 2025 begins from 27th October to 31st October, 2025 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon in Mumbai. For more details, please visit www.imw.org.in