India-Norway Maritime Cooperation 2025 – Forging a Sustainable Ocean Future

Key Points for SSC and Other Government Exams

  • Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal engaged with the Norwegian Shipowners Association to attract maritime investment.
  • Initiative aligns with MAHASAGAR Vision, built upon SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
  • MoU signed between GRSE (India) and Kongsberg (Norway) to develop India’s first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV).
  • PRV to assist in polar and oceanic research and global climate change studies.
  • India’s maritime infrastructure being strengthened through Sagarmala Programme and a $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund.
  • Sonowal represented India in the international meeting “Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future”.
  • Indian shipyards currently hold 11% of Norway’s Shipowners Association order book.
  • Focus areas for collaboration: green shipping, alternative fuels, ship recycling, and capacity building.

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Introduction

In 2025, India and Norway took a significant step in maritime cooperation. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s meeting with the Norwegian Shipowners Association reflects India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the blue economy. This engagement aligns with India’s ambitious maritime framework called MAHASAGAR.

MAHASAGAR Vision: Building on SAGAR

MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement in Security and Growth of the Region. It is an expanded version of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Key Objectives:

  • Promote international collaboration in shipping
  • Enable sustainable and inclusive maritime growth
  • Enhance capacity building, environmental sustainability, and economic partnerships

Strategic MoU: India’s First Polar Research Vessel

A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between:

  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), India
  • Kongsberg, Norway

Purpose: To jointly build India’s first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV).

Features of the PRV:

  • Equipped with advanced scientific instruments
  • Enables polar and deep-sea research
  • Supports global studies on climate change and oceanic ecosystems

This project puts India on the global map in polar science and high-tech marine engineering.

Global Dialogue on Maritime Future

Sarbananda Sonowal represented India at a high-level meeting:
“Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future”, attended by ministers from:

  • Brazil
  • Japan
  • United States
  • China
  • Norway

The key focus was on creating a stable international regulatory framework to promote sustainable, ocean-based global trade.

Investment Push: India as a Maritime Power

During his Norway visit, Sonowal conducted a roundtable with Norwegian shipowners, highlighting:

  • India’s growing shipbuilding capacity
  • Opportunities in green port development
  • Use of alternative marine fuels
  • Boosting ship recycling with eco-friendly practices

He emphasized India’s commitment to becoming a hub for sustainable maritime solutions.

Maritime Infrastructure Development

India is enhancing its maritime ecosystem through:

  • Sagarmala Programme – bridges gaps in logistics and coastal connectivity
  • $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund – offers incentives for green investments, shipbuilding, and innovation

India-Norway Partnership

India and Norway share a common maritime outlook:

  • Sustainability and innovation as core values
  • Indian shipyards currently account for 11% of the order book of the Norwegian Shipowners Association
  • India’s skilled seafaring workforce seen as a major asset
  • Opportunities ahead in green shipping corridors, digitalization, and low-emission vessels

Important Organizations Mentioned

1. Norwegian Shipowners Association

  • Country: Norway
  • Sector: Maritime and Shipping
  • Role: Represents Norwegian shipping and offshore industries globally
  • India holds 11% of its current international shipbuilding orders

2. GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd)

  • Country: India
  • HQ: Kolkata
  • Sector: Defence shipbuilding
  • Under Ministry of Defence (MoD)

3. Kongsberg Gruppen

  • Country: Norway
  • Sector: Defence, Aerospace, Maritime Technology

4. Sagarmala Programme

  • Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, India
  • Aim: Modernize ports, improve port connectivity, promote coastal community development

Possible Questions for Exams (MCQs)

Q1. What is the full form of the MAHASAGAR initiative?
A. Maritime and Holistic Advancement in Shipping and Growth of the Region
B. Mutual and Holistic Advancement in Security and Growth of the Region
C. Maritime and Shipping Growth and Research
D. Mutual Advancement in Shipping and Green Economy
Correct Answer: B

Q2. Which Indian company signed an MoU with Norway’s Kongsberg for developing a Polar Research Vessel?
A. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
B. Cochin Shipyard Ltd
C. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
D. Hindustan Shipyard Ltd
Correct Answer: C

Q3. What is the size of India’s Maritime Development Fund mentioned in 2025?
A. $1.2 billion
B. $5.1 billion
C. $2.9 billion
D. $3.5 billion
Correct Answer: C

Q4. The MAHASAGAR Vision is an extension of which Indian maritime policy?
A. SAMPADA
B. SAGAR
C. SAGARMALA
D. OCEAN2025
Correct Answer: B

Q5. Which country currently has 11% of its Shipowners Association order book held by Indian shipyards?
A. Germany
B. USA
C. Norway
D. Japan
Correct Answer: C