The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, officially announced the launch of “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue,” during a gathering in New Delhi. The inaugural edition of this significant event is scheduled to take place on November 18th and 19th, 2024, in Mumbai.
The Minister’s announcement came during an address that highlighted India’s achievements in the maritime sector and the nation’s leadership in global initiatives under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sonowal emphasized that the dialogue, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and the Observer Research Foundation, represents a vital step forward in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the world’s oceans.
In his speech, Sonowal noted that “Sagarmanthan,” inspired by the ancient Indian wisdom of churning the oceans to yield the nectar of immortality—‘Amrit’—will serve as a platform to churn ideas, experiences, strategies, and solutions to create a more sustainable and equitable future. He quoted Prime Minister Modi, saying, “Our security and prosperity are linked to Oceans,” underscoring the crucial role oceans play in global security and economic development.
The Minister also reflected on India’s recent maritime milestones, including the foundation laying of the Vadhavan Major Port by the Prime Minister on August 30th. This green-field mega container port on India’s west coast, being developed with an estimated investment of 10 billion US dollars, is set to create over 1.2 million jobs once operational and has already attracted significant global interest.
Sonowal highlighted India’s leadership in green transition efforts, particularly through the Green Tug Transition Program, which will not only benefit India but also serve as a model for other countries in their climate transition. The Minister further emphasized the success of the Global Maritime India Summit in 2023, where India secured over 119 billion US dollars in investment commitments. The Minister concluded by inviting all stakeholders, including global leaders, industry experts, and policymakers, to the inaugural “Sagarmanthan” in Mumbai, urging them to work together to harness the immense potential of the oceans and contribute to an inclusive and sustainable future for all.
