Politics · India · 2 hrs ago
India discusses maritime cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan
India held maritime talks with Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan during an oceans dialogue in New Delhi.
Saudi Arabia showed interest in investing in Indian ports, including Vadhavan and Galathea Bay, and the sides discussed shipbuilding and seafarer training.
With Belgium, India proposed exploring a green shipping corridor linking Indian ports with Antwerp-Bruges, and a port agreement was signed to support training in green shipping and fuels.
India and Bhutan discussed using National Waterway-2 and the Jogighopa terminal to move Bhutanese cargo to global markets, along with possible river routes and maritime training.
The talks come as India says port capacity has risen to 2,817 million tonnes a year and cargo on inland waterways has grown over the past 12 years.
India also plans to develop green fuels and make its ports green-fuel bunkering hubs as part of its Net Zero 2070 commitment.
India held maritime cooperation talks with Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan in New Delhi during the second day of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026.
Saudi Arabia expressed interest in investing in Indian port projects, including Vadhavan and Galathea Bay, and the Maritime Development Fund.
India and Belgium discussed a green shipping corridor linking Indian ports with Antwerp-Bruges, while VOC Port signed an agreement with the Port of Antwerp on green shipping and fuels.
India and Bhutan discussed waterways and a terminal that could help move Bhutanese cargo to global markets.
- Who
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met representatives from Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan.
- What
- They discussed maritime cooperation, including investment, green shipping and waterways.
- When
- Thursday, October 8, 2026, during the second day of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- Why
- To explore investment, technology, training and trade links in the maritime sector.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Meeting date
- October 8, 2026
- Venue
- New Delhi
- Saudi investment interests
- Vadhavan, Galathea Bay and the Maritime Development Fund
- Proposed green shipping corridor
- Indian ports to Antwerp-Bruges
- Bhutan cargo gateway options
- National Waterway-2 and Jogighopa terminal
What people are saying
maritime potential to maritime performance