NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal held a series of bilateral meetings with senior representatives from Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan on the second day of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening international maritime cooperation, port connectivity, infrastructure development and regional partnerships.
The meetings provided an opportunity to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral engagement in maritime transport, trade, infrastructure and sustainable economic development.
India–Belgium: Strengthening Port and Maritime Cooperation
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ms. Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister of Mobility, Public Works, Ports and Sport of Belgium. The discussions provided an opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest in port development, maritime connectivity, transport infrastructure and cooperation between India and Belgium’s maritime sector.
The engagement highlighted the importance of international partnerships in promoting efficient port operations, strengthening trade links and advancing sustainable maritime development.
India–Saudi Arabia: Expanding Maritime Connectivity and Trade
The Union Minister also met Eng. Suliman Almazroua, President of the Saudi Ports Authority, to discuss ways to strengthen India–Saudi Arabia maritime cooperation.
The meeting focused on enhancing port connectivity, facilitating trade and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the maritime sector and blue economy. The engagement reflects the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries in strengthening maritime links and supporting growing trade and economic relations.
India–Bhutan: Advancing Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity
In another bilateral engagement, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal met Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Bhutan.
The discussions focused on strengthening India–Bhutan cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity and transport, while exploring opportunities for deeper regional collaboration. The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both countries to promoting sustainable development, improving connectivity and advancing mutual growth and prosperity.
Sagarmanthan 2026: A Platform for Global Maritime Partnerships
The bilateral engagements on the sidelines of Sagarmanthan 2026 underline India’s growing focus on international cooperation to advance its maritime ambitions. By engaging with key partners across different regions, India continues to explore opportunities to strengthen port-led development, improve transport connectivity, facilitate international trade and promote sustainable growth across the maritime sector.
Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026 brings together policymakers, maritime leaders and industry stakeholders to deliberate on emerging opportunities and challenges shaping the global ocean economy
