India’s maritime sector has experienced a significant increase in women’s involvement, rising by almost 340% since 2020, as stated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. Speaking at the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi, Sonowal highlighted initiatives like “Sagar Mein Samman” that aim to enhance opportunities for women in the maritime industry by promoting dignity, inclusion, and leadership. This growth aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to boost the maritime economy while ensuring social empowerment.
Sonowal emphasized the importance of initiatives such as “Sagar Mein Samman” in advancing dignity, inclusion, and leadership roles for women in the maritime sector, which has seen a remarkable surge of around 340% since 2020. He underscored that India’s maritime strategy places equal importance on the “human element” alongside security, connectivity, and sustainability. The minister highlighted the critical role of the Indian Ocean in global trade, energy flows, and supply chains, emphasizing the need for enhanced regional cooperation and resilience.
Stressing that the Indian Ocean serves as a vital global lifeline, Sonowal called for collaborative efforts to tackle emerging maritime challenges. The event, attended by dignitaries like Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful and Yemen’s Minister of State Waleed Mohammed Al-Qadimi, focused on the significance of India’s maritime initiatives in line with frameworks such as SAGAR and MAHASAGAR. These frameworks aim to bolster regional cooperation and foster equitable development across the Indian Ocean Region.
Sonowal reaffirmed India’s commitment to serving as a “net security provider” in the region through activities like humanitarian aid, maritime surveillance, and disaster response initiatives. He highlighted the necessity of collective action, noting that addressing maritime challenges requires cooperation based on transparency and adherence to international law.
