Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said women’s participation in India’s maritime sector has surged by 340 per cent since 2020, highlighting the government’s efforts to build a more inclusive and future-ready maritime workforce.
Addressing the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi, Sonowal said initiatives such as “Sagar Mein Samman” are helping create greater opportunities for women in the maritime sector while promoting dignity, inclusion and leadership.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this transformation in the maritime sector is helping shape a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready workforce for the Indian Ocean Region,” the minister said.
The event was attended by Foreign Minister of Mauritius Dhananjay Ramful and Minister of State of Yemen Waleed Mohammed Al-Qadimi, among other dignitaries.
Highlighting India’s broader maritime vision, Sonowal said the “human element” remains central to the country’s maritime strategy, alongside efforts to improve connectivity, sustainability and security in the region.
“The Indian Ocean is not just a geographic space, but a global lifeline. Its importance to global energy flows, trade and supply chains calls for stronger cooperation, resilience and inclusivity,” he said.
The minister noted that India’s maritime initiatives are aligned with the government’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions) frameworks, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and ensuring equitable growth across the Indian Ocean Region.
India is currently chairing the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the 2025–27 term, and the theme of this year’s dialogue is “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World.”
The forum has brought together ministers, policymakers, academics and industry leaders to deliberate on maritime security, the blue economy, climate change, disaster risk management and women’s empowerment.
Sonowal also reaffirmed India’s role as a “net security provider” in the region, citing the country’s contributions to humanitarian assistance, maritime surveillance and disaster response operations.
“India remains committed to working with all partners to advance a safe, secure and stable Indian Ocean Region,” he said, while stressing the need for collective action rooted in transparency and respect for international law.
Launched in 2014 in Kochi, the Indian Ocean Dialogue is IORA’s flagship Track 1.5 platform. The grouping currently comprises 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners, with a focus on economic cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.
