India and Singapore signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Tuesday to create a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC), aiming to promote digital technology and reduce pollution in shipping.

"The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions," a joint release from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping said. The Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that his visit to Singapore with a top-level marine sector delegation will further strengthen the strong relationship between the two countries.

He also mentioned that the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" will enhance cooperation between India and Singapore, making their collaboration even deeper and broader. Sonowal is on a three-day visit to Singapore to attend Maritime Week, which will have around 20,000 delegates and exhibitors from across the world. As part of the Letter of Intent (LoI), both countries will work together on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects. They will identify key stakeholders who can contribute to these efforts and aim to formalise their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), and Teo Eng Dinh, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, signed the Letter of Intent (LoI).

The signing took place in Singapore and was witnessed by Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, along with Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Since 2022, the Global Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) has expanded, bringing together more than 28 stakeholders from the maritime, energy, and finance sectors. "These initiatives reaffirm Singapore's commitment to working with like-minded partners to advance maritime digital innovation and decarbonisation," Khor said at the signing of the LoI on the second day of the Singapore Maritime Week. Maritime Week will take place from March 24 to March 28, 2025. "India is a leading player in information technology with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels," according to the statement. Singapore, as a vital trans-shipment and bunkering center, also offers a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem.