Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, attended a MoU signing ceremony between Kolkata’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg Oslo. The MoU will pave the way for India to indigenously build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV).

Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India’s unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy—a legacy of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, this MoU is a commitment to fostering scientific discovery, advancing India’s capabilities in polar and ocean research, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing challenges like climate change. The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling our researchers to explore the oceans’ depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet’s past, present, and future. This will be a testament to India’s critical shipbuilding capabilities, boosting further the ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government. I congratulate all stakeholders for their dedication and look forward to the day when this Polar Research Vessel sets sail, carrying India’s aspirations to the farthest reaches of the globe.”

The MoU between GRSE and Kongsberg marked an important milestone for India’s shipbuilding sector. It brought in design expertise for developing the PRV, considering the needs of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), which will use the vessel for research activities in the polar and southern ocean regions. GRSE, with its experience in building complex vessels like warships and research platforms, will construct the PRV at its shipyard in Kolkata. This project will boost the ‘Make In India’ initiative. The leadership of Kongsberg and GRSE, along with senior government officials from Norway and India, attended the event.

Sarbananda Sonowal also took part in a high-level Ministerial Meeting on the ‘Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future.’ The meeting focused on the need for a stable, long-term regulatory environment that supports inclusive and decarbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, the United Nations, the United States, China, and Norway joined him at the event.

Speaking at the session, Sonowal said, “Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji announced India’s vision of 'Growth for All,' articulated as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The overarching aim of this vision leverages India’s vast coastline, strategic location, and maritime heritage to drive economic prosperity, enhance regional security, and ensure sustainable development for all stakeholders. This entails economic cooperation, capacity building, disaster management, information sharing and environmental stewardship. Upgrading from the SAGAR initiative, India’s PM Narendra Modi ji announced MAHASAGAR — which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, signalling further consolidation and an expanded approach to holistic maritime engagement and growth.”

Sonowal further added, “Building on the success of the initial phase, the Sagarmala 2.0 programme of my Ministry focuses on bridging critical infrastructure gaps, boosting shipbuilding, ship repair, and recycling, and positioning India as a global maritime leader. Indian government's outlook on Shipping and Ocean Business is to promote mutual and holistic growth, through robust international cooperation, and a strong commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.”

Sarbananda Sonowal also held a roundtable with members of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), where he invited Norwegian shipowners to invest in India’s expanding maritime sector. He thanked NSA President Harald Fotland for hosting the dialogue and highlighted the shared values of sustainability, innovation, and mutual growth between India and Norway.

He said, “India’s maritime sector is on a transformative path, driven by sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships. We invite greater collaboration with Norway to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem. With major investments in green ports, alternative fuels like green hydrogen, and strategic incentives, India aims to become a global leader in shipbuilding. Our growing partnership with Norway, reflected in Indian shipyards delivering next-gen vessels to Norwegian firms, showcases India's emergence as a trusted, future-ready hub for cost-effective and sustainable maritime solutions. Let’s strengthen this momentum together.”

During the discussion, Sonowal highlighted key areas for maritime cooperation between India and Norway. He noted that Indian shipyards held 11% of NSA’s current order book. He encouraged expansion of orders and suggested using India’s ship-breaking credit note scheme. He emphasised India’s strong seafaring workforce, which ranked second in NSA’s global fleet, and called for deeper recruitment partnerships. He pointed to major investment opportunities under India’s flagship Sagarmala programme and the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, which supports shipbuilding, ports, and logistics. He also underlined India’s innovation efforts through digital platforms like ONOP and MAITRI and invited Norway’s collaboration in developing green shipping corridors, improving ship recycling practices, and meeting International Maritime Organisation (IMO)-aligned net-zero targets. He stated that 87% of Indian recycling yards were now compliant with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC).

Sarbananda Sonowal was on a five-day official visit to Norway to participate in the Nor-Shipping event and would also visit Denmark to further strengthen India’s maritime ties with global maritime leaders.