NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, and Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 August 2026 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime heritage.
The agreement establishes a framework for greater collaboration between India and Singapore in preserving, promoting and showcasing their rich and shared maritime heritage. A key focus of the MoU will be to facilitate exchanges and cooperation between museums and other relevant institutions in both countries.
The partnership will also provide opportunities for the sharing of knowledge, expertise and best practices in areas related to maritime history, heritage conservation, museum management and public engagement. Such institutional exchanges are expected to encourage greater understanding of the maritime traditions and historical connections that have linked India and Singapore for centuries.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, will play an important role in this cooperation. The NMHC has been envisioned as a major centre for showcasing India’s maritime history, from the Harappan civilisation and ancient seafaring traditions to the modern era. It is also envisaged as a dynamic platform for research, education and the preservation of maritime heritage.
The MoU builds on the broader and growing India-Singapore partnership in the maritime sector. The two countries have already established cooperation in areas including maritime transport and green and digital shipping, with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways listing a 2025 MoU on a Singapore–India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor among its international maritime cooperation initiatives.
The new maritime heritage partnership adds an important cultural and historical dimension to this relationship. Through exchanges among museums and heritage institutions, India and Singapore can further develop joint initiatives to document, preserve and communicate the maritime stories that connect the two nations.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen institutional linkages, encourage cultural exchanges and create new avenues for showcasing maritime heritage to wider audiences, while contributing to the preservation of the region’s shared maritime legacy.
The MoU marks another significant step in deepening India-Singapore cooperation, bringing together maritime history, culture and institutional expertise to preserve the past while inspiring future generations.
