India and the Netherlands on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in maritime heritage, marking a major step towards the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat.
The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel. The agreement brings together the NMHC, being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam.
Under the MoU, both sides will collaborate on the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices in maritime museum design, curation and conservation. The partnership will also enable joint exhibitions, research initiatives and cultural exchange programmes, along with the adoption of innovative approaches to enhance visitor experience, education and public outreach.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal is envisioned as a world-class institution showcasing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime legacy. Cooperation with the Amsterdam-based museum is expected to enhance the global profile of the NMHC, promote inclusive education and tourism, and ensure affordable access for students, local communities and underprivileged groups.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal described the agreement as a landmark step in taking India’s rich maritime heritage to the global stage. He said the partnership would bring world-class expertise in conservation, curation and museum design, while strengthening cultural ties between India and the Netherlands. The initiative, he added, aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of blending heritage with innovation to promote inclusive education, tourism and people-to-people connections.
The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both countries to preserving and promoting maritime heritage, while deepening cultural and people-to-people ties. During the meeting, the two ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in the maritime and shipping sectors, including green shipping initiatives, port development and shipbuilding, recalling the long maritime histories of both nations.
