Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal began his four-day visit to South Korea on October 25, 2026, pitching India’s maritime opportunity to the Korean industry to expand shipbuilding cooperation. He initiated the trip in Busan, designated as the hub of Korea’s maritime industry, by convening a meeting with Indian professionals currently working in Korean shipbuilding.
Expanding Maritime Ambitions and Workforce Demands
Minister Sonowal articulated India’s ambition to transform into a globally competitive centre for shipbuilding, ship repair, maritime manufacturing, and logistics. This push operates under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. To achieve these long-term targets, the nation must scale its human capital across multiple specialized technical disciplines.
The ministry outlined specific workforce requirements for the domestic sector, emphasizing the necessity for trained personnel across the following roles:
- Shipbuilders
- Marine engineers
- Naval architects
- Designers
- Welders
- Project managers
- Technology specialists
Engaging the Diaspora for Industry Growth
The minister urged the gathered professionals to channel their Korean experience back home or support Indian companies directly from Korea. He noted that you can serve as living bridges between your networks in both countries. Furthermore, he encouraged them to mentor young Indian professionals and participate in institutional training frameworks.
Sonowal specifically requested community involvement in key initiatives through the following channels:
- The India Ship Technology Centre
- The shipbuilding skills partnership established between India and the Korea International Cooperation Agency
The minister concluded his engagement by seeking practical feedback from the professional community on improving shipyard productivity and project execution. He also asked for insights on building a globally competitive skilled workforce and deepening bilateral industry cooperation across technology, manufacturing, and innovation.