New Delhi Nov 18 : The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), is hosting “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” on November 18-19, 2024 in New Delhi. This groundbreaking event positions India as a global hub for maritime discussions, aiming to shape international maritime policies through diverse cultural, economic, and aspirational perspectives.
Organized in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DP World, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Deutsches Schifffahrts Museum, the dialogue will feature over 160 participants from 60 countries, including ministers, former heads of state, parliamentarians, senior officials, and maritime experts.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, *“Sagarmanthan celebrates global expertise in the maritime sector, fostering pathways for sustainable growth and knowledge-sharing. India’s prominence as a key maritime player has grown significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This forum will unlock the potential of the Blue Economy, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth while embracing India’s ancient tradition of knowledge sharing.”
The dialogue’s inaugural session will feature arbananda Sonowal, Christos Stylianides (Minister of Maritime Affairs, Greece), Amzath Ahmed (Maldives’ Minister of State for Fisheries), and other distinguished leaders. Keynote speakers include John Kayode Fayemi (President of the Forum of Regions of Africa), Rizwan Soomar (CEO, DP World), and Sanjeev Sanyal (Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council).
Over two days, participants will engage in discussions on critical maritime issues, including the Blue Economy, maritime logistics, sustainable supply chains, ports, shipping, and training standards.Expert interventions from global leaders like **Nancy Karigithu (Kenya), Lord Karan Bilimoria (UK), Mohamed Nasheed (Maldives), and Carl Bildt (Sweden) are also planned.
Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, highlighted India’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, describing the forum as a platform to set a course for a resilient and inclusive Blue Economy.
Dr. Samir Saran, President of ORF, underscored the importance of India’s growing role in maritime governance, stating, *“India stands at a critical juncture with the responsibility to lead global maritime discussions. Sagarmanthan bridges the gap for comprehensive ocean dialogues.”
The dialogue aims to foster collaboration, inspire innovative maritime strategies, and reaffirm India’s position as a key player in shaping the future of the global maritime landscape.
