BUSAN : Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, held a bilateral interaction with H.E. Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus, in Busan to explore avenues for strengthening the strategic maritime partnership between India and Cyprus.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key maritime areas, including sustainable shipping, vessel flagging, maritime investments and the development of new opportunities for collaboration in the global shipping industry.
The interaction highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in advancing a sustainable, efficient and resilient maritime sector. Both sides explored opportunities to deepen engagement by leveraging their respective maritime capabilities, expertise and strategic positions in international trade and shipping networks.
Sustainable Shipping and Maritime Investments in Focus
Sustainable shipping emerged as a key area of mutual interest, particularly in the context of the global maritime industry’s transition towards cleaner fuels, energy-efficient vessels and environmentally responsible operations. Greater cooperation in this field could help encourage the adoption of green maritime technologies and support international efforts to reduce emissions from shipping.
The discussions also covered vessel flagging and maritime investment opportunities, which are important components of the international shipping ecosystem. Enhanced engagement in these areas could facilitate greater industry interaction, encourage investment flows and create new avenues for cooperation between maritime stakeholders in both countries.
India’s expanding port infrastructure, modernisation initiatives and focus on sustainable maritime development offer significant opportunities for international collaboration. Cyprus, with its established presence in the global shipping sector, presents further scope for engagement in maritime services, shipping operations and investment-related activities.
Advancing India’s Global Maritime Engagement
The meeting reflects India’s continued efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with countries across the world and expand cooperation in areas that support trade, investment and sustainable growth. Such engagements are aligned with India’s broader vision of building a globally competitive maritime sector through international cooperation, technological advancement and environmentally sustainable practices.
The India–Cyprus interaction in Busan marks an important opportunity to build on bilateral engagement and explore practical avenues for deeper cooperation, contributing to stronger maritime connectivity and shared growth in the evolving global shipping landscape.
