India Inaugurates Pavilion at Nor-Shipping, Signs MoU for First Polar Research Vessel, Deepens Norway Maritime Ties
India marked a significant step in bolstering its global maritime presence with the joint inauguration of its first-ever India Pavilion at Nor-Shipping in Oslo by His Royal Highness (HRH) The Crown Prince of Norway, Haakon, and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, on Tuesday, June 3rd. This debut at the premier global maritime event was further distinguished by the signing of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for India to indigenously construct its first Polar Research Vessel, alongside high-level discussions aimed at expanding maritime cooperation and investment between India and Norway.
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Landmark MoU
A pivotal moment during the event was the MoU signing ceremony between Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg. This agreement facilitates the transfer of design expertise to India for the development of its first Polar Research Vessel (PRV). The vessel, to be utilized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR), will be built at GRSE's Kolkata yard, providing a significant boost to the 'Make In India' initiative. Minister Sonowal emphasized that this vessel, equipped with advanced scientific equipment, represents India's commitment to scientific advancement, polar research, and addressing global challenges like climate change. HRH The Crown Prince of Norway reportedly expressed admiration for India's maritime heritage upon viewing a model of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, during his visit to the India Pavilion.
Strengthening Bilateral Maritime Cooperation and Investment
Minister Sonowal engaged in extensive discussions to deepen maritime relations, including a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA). He invited Norwegian investment in India's rapidly growing maritime sector, highlighting shared values and India's transformative initiatives under "Maritime India Vision 2030" and "Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047." Key areas for collaboration discussed included Japanese and Norwegian expertise for developing India's Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into "Smart Islands" with renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Opportunities for joint ventures in shipbuilding and ship repair with leading Japanese companies were also explored, alongside partnerships in port digitization and green port initiatives. Minister Sonowal also pointed to India's large pool of trained seafarers as a valuable human resource for Japan and Norway's maritime industries.
India's Vision
Representing India at a high-level Ministerial Meeting on the ‘Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future,’ Minister Sonowal reaffirmed India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) vision, an extension of the SAGAR initiative, which aims to leverage India's maritime strengths for economic prosperity and regional security through international cooperation. He also paid tribute at the ‘Minnehallen Memorial’ in Stavern, becoming the first Indian Minister to do so, honoring the 86 Indian seafarers who sacrificed their lives during World War II while serving on Norwegian merchant ships. The Crown Prince of Norway confirmed an upcoming visit to India with a large business delegation later in 2025, signaling further strengthening of bilateral ties.
India's inaugural participation at Nor-Shipping, highlighted by the joint inauguration of its pavilion and the landmark MoU for a Polar Research Vessel, signifies a robust intent to enhance its indigenous maritime capabilities and deepen international partnerships. The engagements led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Norway have laid a strong foundation for increased collaboration with Norway and other global maritime leaders in shipbuilding, sustainable technologies, and strategic maritime development, aligning with India's ambitious long-term vision for the sector.
Source: PIB
