Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to Strengthen Maritime Relations with Norway and Denmark

Official Visit to Norway and Denmark

New Delhi, June 1: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is scheduled to begin a five-day official trip to Norway and Denmark on June 2, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation.

This visit is strategically significant as it will see the minister leading a delegation that includes senior officials from both the Central and state governments, as well as prominent figures from the private sector.

Sonowal emphasized the importance of harnessing the full potential of India's Blue Economy, which presents vast opportunities in trade, connectivity, clean energy, and innovation, as the nation strives towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

During his stay, he will participate in a high-level meeting focused on oceanic issues at the 60th Nor-Shipping event in Oslo, where he will also inaugurate the inaugural 'India Pavilion.'

Additionally, he will chair the India@Nor-Shipping Country Session and promote the upcoming 'India Maritime Week 2025,' set to take place from October 27-31 in Mumbai.

The minister stated, 'My visit to Norway and Denmark, both recognized as leaders in global maritime affairs, aims to forge robust, future-oriented partnerships. These discussions will facilitate the exchange of best practices, the exploration of joint ventures, and the alignment of efforts towards a sustainable maritime ecosystem.'

On the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping event, Sonowal is expected to engage in bilateral talks with his counterparts from Japan and Norway, as well as meet with leading European shipping firms, component manufacturers, and technology innovators. He will also visit the Oslo Port Authority.

The India Pavilion will feature a dedicated section for the 'National Maritime Heritage Complex,' showcasing India's 5000-year-old maritime heritage and its global connections to international delegates.

In Denmark, he will engage with students from the 'Blue MBA' program at the Copenhagen Business School, discussing the economic prospects that India's growth trajectory offers for future business leaders.