Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to lead the 19th meeting of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), scheduled to take place on August 18-19 in Kevadia, Gujarat. This meeting holds significant importance as it aims to deliberate on a wide range of issues crucial to the maritime sector’s development.
The Maritime State Development Council, established in 1997, serves as the apex advisory body responsible for orchestrating comprehensive development within the maritime sector. Its participation includes engagement with ministers responsible for ports in maritime states, administrators of union territories, naval and coast guard authorities, and various stakeholders integral to the maritime ecosystem.
During the two-day meeting, discussions will span across a diverse spectrum of topics. One of the key focal points will be the operationalization of the Sagarmala Programme. This ambitious initiative aims to transform the Indian maritime sector and harness the potential of India’s vast coastline and waterways to drive economic growth, create employment, and enhance port-led development.
Furthermore, the advancement of the national maritime heritage complex in Lothal, Gujarat, will also be on the agenda. This initiative seeks to preserve and showcase India’s rich maritime history and cultural heritage, contributing to educational and tourism activities.
The evolution of national waterways will be another crucial topic of discussion. Developing efficient and navigable waterways is essential to facilitate cost-effective transportation of goods and passengers across different parts of the country.
Additionally, the meeting will delve into intricacies related to promoting RoPax/ferries, which play a pivotal role in providing reliable and accessible transportation services, particularly in coastal and island regions.
Parallelly, the coordination meeting for the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023) will also take place. Scheduled for October 17-19, GMIS 2023 will bring together maritime sector leaders, domestic and international stakeholders, and investors. The summit will provide a platform to explore opportunities, address challenges, and foster collaborations in India’s maritime domain.
The MSDC meeting headed by Sarbananda Sonowal and the coordination meeting for GMIS 2023 signify the Indian government’s commitment to driving growth, innovation, and collaboration within the maritime sector. With India’s coastline and waterways offering immense potential, these initiatives aim to unlock opportunities, create jobs, and boost the country’s economy while positioning it as a prominent player in the global maritime landscape.