India and the Netherlands have taken a major step towards strengthening cooperation in maritime heritage with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to significantly boost the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat. The agreement highlights growing cultural collaboration between the two countries and underlines India’s efforts to preserve and showcase its ancient maritime history on a global platform.

According to an official release issued on Sunday, the MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel. The agreement brings together two important institutions: the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), which is being developed by the Government of India, and the National Maritime Museum (NMM) in Amsterdam, one of the most renowned maritime museums in the world.

The NMHC at Lothal is being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Lothal, a prominent site of the Indus Valley Civilisation, is historically known for its dockyard and maritime trade links dating back nearly 4,500 years. The heritage complex aims to present India’s long and rich maritime legacy comprehensively and engagingly, combining history, archaeology, education, and modern museum practices.

The official release explained that the MoU focuses on cooperation in several key areas related to maritime heritage. “Under the agreement, the two sides will collaborate on the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices in maritime museum design, curation and conservation. The partnership will also facilitate joint exhibitions, research projects and cultural exchange programmes, while exploring innovative approaches to enhance visitor experience, education and public outreach,” it stated.

This collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the NMHC into a world-class institution. By partnering with the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, India will gain access to international expertise in museum planning, preservation of artefacts, exhibition design, and storytelling methods. Such cooperation will help ensure that the NMHC meets global standards while remaining rooted in India’s historical and cultural context.

The release further noted that the NMHC at Lothal is envisioned as a landmark heritage destination that showcases India’s 4,500-year-old maritime tradition. This includes ancient shipbuilding practices, trade routes, port cities, navigational knowledge, and cultural exchanges that connected India with other regions of the world. Through modern technology, interactive displays, and research-driven content, the complex aims to make maritime history accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Collaboration with the Amsterdam-based museum is also expected to strengthen the global profile of the NMHC. International partnerships often help heritage institutions attract global attention, academic collaboration, and tourism. In this case, the MoU is likely to enhance India’s visibility in the global maritime heritage space and encourage cultural dialogue between India and Europe.

Another important aspect highlighted in the release is inclusivity. The partnership aims to promote inclusive education and tourism by ensuring affordable access to the NMHC for students, local communities, and underprivileged groups. Educational programmes, outreach initiatives, and curated exhibitions developed under the MoU are expected to benefit learners of all ages and backgrounds, making maritime heritage more accessible beyond academic or elite circles.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the agreement as a significant milestone in India’s heritage journey. Quoting the minister, the release stated, “The MoU between the NMHC at Lothal and the NMM in Amsterdam is a landmark step in taking India’s rich 4,500-year maritime legacy to the global stage. This partnership will bring world-class expertise in conservation, curation and museum design, while strengthening cultural ties between India and the Netherlands. It also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of combining heritage with innovation to promote inclusive education, tourism and people-to-people connections.”

The minister’s statement reflects the broader vision behind the NMHC project. The initiative not only focuses on preserving historical knowledge but also seeks to integrate innovation, technology, and global collaboration. By doing so, the project aims to create a living heritage space that educates, inspires, and connects people across cultures.

The MoU also signals the importance India places on cultural diplomacy. Maritime history has long been a bridge between nations, and cooperation in this field helps strengthen mutual understanding and respect. Through joint exhibitions and research projects, both countries can share their maritime experiences, historical narratives, and conservation practices, enriching the cultural landscapes of both institutions.

In addition, the focus on enhancing visitor experience suggests that the NMHC will adopt modern museum practices, such as interactive exhibits, digital storytelling, and immersive learning environments. These approaches are increasingly important in attracting younger audiences and making history more engaging and relatable.