The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing ceremony of Letter of Intent (LoI) between India and Singapore on maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and Decarbonisation (Green Shipping).  

Sonowal was joined by Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LoI was inked by R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. 

Under the LoI, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). 

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “The signing of this landmark LoI marks the bilateral collaboration as a significant step towards modernising maritime operations and advancing green shipping efforts. The Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector... . With India’s strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. We look forward to working closely to build a resilient, future ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global maritime industry.” 

Seeking the Global Dutch Expertise for revamping India’s waterways rivers like Barak and Brahmaputra, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “With their rich experience and global expertise in dredging, river engineering, we can enable our diverse and rich riverine system with effective dredging techniques, modern inland vessel technology & water management. The Netherlands' expertise in shallow-draft push barges, modular inland vessels, & LNG-powered river transport presents a valuable opportunity for India. We are keen to adapt these technologies to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the Brahmaputra & Barak, making inland waterways more efficient, sustainable, & economically viable. We see great potential for Dutch collaboration in India’s major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) and Brahmaputra River dredging. This will help us realise the vision of PM Narendra Modi to empower the Northeast as the New Engine of Growth for an Atmanirbhar Bharat charting its course on becoming a Viksit country.” 

Sonowal also inaugurated the ‘India Pavilion’ along with Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of Singapore. He also inaugurated the IRClass Pavilion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW).