NEW DELHI : India and Panama have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral maritime relations following a high-level meeting between senior officials from both countries, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation across trade, connectivity, maritime safety, and seafarer welfare.
On 20 July 2026, H.E. Mr. Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama, held a bilateral meeting with an Indian delegation led by Shri Shyam Jagannath, IAS, Director General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), to explore new avenues for collaboration in the maritime sector.
The Panamanian delegation, led by the Foreign Affairs Minister, included H.E. Ms. Lizbeth Hernández Altafulla, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mr. Alejandro Mendoza, Director of Foreign Policy; H.E. Mr. Alonso Correa, Ambassador of Panama to the Republic of India; Mr. Roberto Rodriguez, Consul General of Panama in Mumbai; along with other senior officials.
The Indian delegation comprised Shri Deependra Singh Bisen, Deputy Director General of Maritime Administration; Shri Vineet Kumar, IFS, Under Secretary (UNES Division), Ministry of External Affairs; and Shri P. L. Muthu, Assistant Director General of Maritime Administration.
A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation, which is expected to provide a structured framework for expanding collaboration between the two maritime nations.
The deliberations covered a wide range of strategic areas, including the promotion of maritime trade and connectivity, knowledge exchange, capacity building, maritime safety and security, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare, protection, and professional development of seafarers.
Both sides emphasized the importance of closer maritime engagement in supporting sustainable economic growth, facilitating international trade, and strengthening global maritime governance. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to exploring new opportunities for cooperation and advancing mutually beneficial initiatives in the maritime domain.
The meeting reflects the growing momentum in India–Panama relations and underscores the importance both countries attach to deepening maritime cooperation through institutional partnerships, policy dialogue, and enhanced collaboration across the shipping and port sectors.
