Mumbai, Oct. 26 -- The minister has called on Indian professionals in South Korea to mentor young talent and contribute to technology and shipbuilding initiatives supporting India's maritime ambitions.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has called on Indian professionals working in South Korea's shipbuilding sector to help transfer global best practices to India and strengthen industrial partnerships as the country pursues its goal of becoming one of the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
Beginning a four-day visit to South Korea on Sunday to promote India's maritime opportunities, Sonowal told members of the Indian community in Busan that they could play a pivotal role in connecting the shipbuilding ecosystems of the two countries.
"You can serve as living bridges between your networks in both countries," Sonowal said.
Earlier, Gourangalal Das, India's Ambassador to South Korea, introduced the minister to Indian professionals working with Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai, DNV and the Indian Register of Shipping.
South Korea remains one of the world's leading shipbuilding nations, with the Busan-Ulsan-Geoje industrial cluster forming the backbone of the country's globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem.
"Your presence in Korea, at the heart of one of the world's most advanced shipbuilding ecosystems, is a matter of pride for India," Sonowal said.
Apprising the community of policy incentives introduced for the sector since September 2025, Sonowal said India's expanding maritime ambitions would require significantly larger pools of skilled manpower, ranging from shipbuilders, marine engineers and naval architects to designers, welders, project managers and technology specialists.
He sought their support in mentoring young Indian professionals and participating in initiatives such as the India Ship Technology Centre and the shipbuilding skills partnership between India and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
Strengthening Shipbuilding Ties
The minister urged the professionals to view the India-Republic of Korea VOYAGES framework as more than a government-to-government initiative. The framework, formalised during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to India in April 2026, aims to deepen cooperation in shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics.
"I want you to see VOYAGES not merely as a government framework, but as a platform for your professional growth and for India's maritime future," Sonowal said.
The minister also invited practical suggestions from the community on improving shipyard productivity, strengthening project execution, building a globally competitive workforce and expanding collaboration between Indian and Korean industries in technology, manufacturing and innovation.
During his visit, Sonowal is scheduled to meet leaders of global shipbuilding companies, maritime organisations, think tanks and research institutions. He will also participate in a ministerial roundtable in Busan to mark World Maritime Day.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Infrastructure Today.