Japan-India Maritime Ties Enter a New Era of Smart Cooperation

In a compelling display of growing strategic and economic synergy, Japan and India are charting a bold new course in maritime cooperation.

The two Indo-Pacific partners are in advanced discussions to expand bilateral ties. They aim to achieve this through a shared vision of green technology, smart infrastructure, and a resilient maritime ecosystem.

The latest milestone in this evolving partnership was marked on June 2 in Oslo. Japan's Yoshimichi Terada, Vice Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, met with Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping maritime conference in Norway, was nothing short of transformational.

It signaled a renewed commitment to jointly advance sustainable and smart maritime initiatives. These initiatives are not only commercially robust but also environmentally sound and socially inclusive.

A Partnership Anchored in Shared Values

Both Japan, as Asia's most mature democracy, and India, the world's largest, are vibrant democracies with complementary strengths. And they have long shared a special strategic and global partnership.

Their maritime dialogue is now taking center stage as both nations recognize the importance of the Indo-Pacific as the engine of global trade and geopolitics.

*Terada and Sonowal shake hands. (Courtesy of Government of India Press Information Bureau)*

What makes this development particularly significant is its forward-looking approach. It focuses not just on traditional maritime security but also on cutting-edge technologies, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.

At the June meeting, Terada and Sonowal delved deep into potential investments in India's shipbuilding industry, with an emphasis on co-development and co-production models.

Japan has expertise in building state-of-the-art vessels. Coupling that with India's growing shipyard capabilities holds tremendous promise. Together, they aim to foster a competitive, future-ready shipbuilding ecosystem that can serve regional and global markets.

Greening the Blue Economy

One of the most exciting dimensions of the talks was the mutual commitment to green port development.

Japan's Green Infrastructure Strategy and India's Sagarmala Initiative found common ground in the conversation. Both sides agreed to exchange best practices and technological know-how in clean energy adoption.

From shore-to-ship power supply to hybrid propulsion systems and hydrogen-based logistics, the green maritime transition is well underway.

Digitalizing the Industry

Digitization was another key area of convergence. Smart ports, enabled by AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies, are central to India's maritime modernization strategy.

Japan, a global leader in port automation and intelligent logistics, is expected to play a catalytic role in India's digital port transformation.

These smart solutions are not only set to enhance operational efficiency but also reduce emissions, lower costs, and streamline trade.

Island Development: A New Frontier

One of the most visionary aspects of the dialogue was the focus on India's island territories. They are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

These smart solutions discussed by the two nations involve transforming these strategically located sites into "smart islands." They would feature green ports, renewable energy facilities, eco-tourism infrastructure, and disaster-resilient logistics hubs.

In this regard, Japan's experience in building sustainable island ecosystems through integrated maritime and urban planning offers valuable insights.

Their collaboration will help unlock the untapped potential of these islands. It will also serve as a model for regional development and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

*The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping 2025 conference. (Courtesy of Government of India Press Information Bureau)*

Human Capital and Knowledge Exchange

No partnership is complete without a strong foundation in human capital development.

Recognizing this, both ministers placed special emphasis on enhancing skills, training, and capacity-building.

Japan's maritime institutions and the Indian Maritime University (IMU) are expected to expand academic and research collaboration. They aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and the creation of a highly skilled maritime workforce.

Scholarship programs, joint R&D initiatives, and training modules for green technologies are already under consideration. These efforts will nurture a new generation of maritime professionals adept at navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry.

Resilient Infrastructure and Climate Preparedness

A shared understanding of the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change is also shaping the partnership.

With both countries susceptible to natural disasters such as tsunamis and cyclones, discussions focused on building disaster-resilient ports, warehouses, and navigation systems.

Japan's technical experts in mitigation and India's vast coastal infrastructure create a perfect synergy for joint innovation and resilience-building.

India is also expected to benefit from Japan's advanced hydrographic and coastal mapping technologies. These are critical for sustainable port planning and climate impact assessments.

Maritime Diplomacy with Global Impact

This renewed maritime cooperation between Japan and India is not just a bilateral affair. It has far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.

It exemplifies how like-minded countries can come together to address global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and maritime security, through practical, people-centric solutions.

As maritime trade continues to account for over 90% of global trade volume, the importance of resilient, green, and smart maritime infrastructure cannot be overstated.

Japan and India's collaboration sets a positive example for the world, demonstrating how strategic alignment and shared values can produce real on-the-ground impact.

What's Next?

Both countries are gearing up to implement the outcomes of the Oslo dialogue with optimism in the air. The proposed projects are all aligned with Japan's Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy and India's Amrit Kaal vision.

With strong political will, robust institutional frameworks, and deep friendship, Japan and India could redefine maritime cooperation in the 21st century.

Author: Professor Pema Gyalpo