NEW DELHI – In a significant move toward the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) signed an implementation plan with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on April 2, 2026.
The collaboration aims to build a future-ready shipbuilding ecosystem by leveraging South Korea’s world-class technological expertise to upskill the Indian maritime workforce.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
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Strategic Roadmap: KOICA, alongside the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, will conduct in-depth research on India’s marine engineering industry to map workforce needs and bridge existing skill gaps.
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Knowledge Exchange: The project includes bilateral workshops in both India and South Korea, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to foster innovation and technical cooperation.
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New Technology Center: Plans are in the final stages to establish a Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India. This hub will provide industry-oriented vocational training to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
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Economic Vision: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the initiative is a “defining moment” for making India a global shipbuilding hub and creating high-quality employment for the youth.
Building a Global Maritime Hub
The partnership underscores India’s commitment to an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) maritime sector. By integrating advanced Korean training methodologies, the government aims to equip Indian professionals with the skills required for the rapidly evolving global shipbuilding landscape through the 2026-27 fiscal year.
