Seoul, Nov. 25 – Indian officials see South Korea as a key ally for boosting shipbuilding output and marine safety, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told reporters on Tuesday. He highlighted New Delhi’s goal of ranking among the world’s top five shipbuilders by 2047.
In a conversation with Yonhap, Sonowal explained that South Korea’s swift economic rise offers valuable insights for “Viksit Bharat 2047.” This vision seeks to transform India into a developed nation by the centennial of independence.
New Delhi’s maritime agenda sets a target to join the world’s top ten shipbuilders by 2030 and climb into the top five by 2047. The plan allocates $24 billion and aims to grow India’s commercial fleet from 1,500 to 2,500 vessels, thereby enhancing self‑reliance.
“The success of reaching these benchmarks depends on international collaboration,” the minister said. He praised South Korea’s advanced construction techniques as essential to India’s aspirations.
“South Korea’s unique strengths—precision engineering, LNG know‑how, and highly efficient production systems—can fast‑track India’s rise on the global shipbuilding ladder,” he added.
Sonowal also noted that South Korea’s own development story underscores the importance of a focused industrial policy, technology adoption, and a disciplined workforce.
“Korea’s achievements show how targeted incentives, continuous innovation, and close ties between government, industry, and academia can expand capabilities rapidly—an approach that directly supports India’s 2047 goals,” he remarked.
Earlier this year, HD Hyundai entered a partnership with the state‑owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd., marking the first time a Korean shipbuilder joined forces with an Indian firm to promote joint construction projects.
The minister anticipates that this collaboration will yield lasting benefits for both nations.
India’s strategic location—adjacent to Africa, South and West Asia, and the crucial maritime corridor between Asia and Europe—makes it an attractive, cost‑effective production hub for Korean vessels, Sonowal said.
In September, the government announced a revitalisation package of roughly Rs 697 billion ($8 billion) aimed at rejuvenating the domestic shipbuilding and maritime sector.
“I believe Korea can become a strategic investor and capability partner, helping India adopt cutting‑edge designs, manufacturing processes, automation, green technologies, and global quality benchmarks,” Sonowal concluded. — LatestNewsX
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