India's shipbuilding push: Sonowal invites Korean firms to set up manufacturing units

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday invited South Korean marine equipment manufacturers to invest in India's shipbuilding sector.

Addressing a high-level ministerial roundtable on World Maritime Day in Busan, South Korea, Sonowal said international standards should remain ambitious and universal, while their implementation recognises differences in national circumstances, development, technology and access to finance.

"The objective should therefore be common standards and outcomes, supported by cooperation that enables every Member State to implement them effectively," the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said.

Sonowal described International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions as an "operational lighthouse" for the shipping industry amid geopolitical instability, piracy and disruptions in the Red Sea, which pose risks to seafarers, trade and supply chains.

He proposed joint working groups involving countries that have implemented a convention and those still developing the capacity to do so. Such partnerships could help train surveyors and inspectors, draft legislation and establish time-bound implementation plans, he said.

The objective should be to build "permanent national capability rather than creating continuing dependence", he added.

Highlighting India's progress in maritime reforms, Sonowal said five maritime laws enacted in 2025 came into effect in March 2026. India's Maritime Single Window now covers 69 ports and terminals, while the Alang-Sosiya ship recycling yard has 115 facilities compliant with the Hong Kong Convention under the IMO framework.

During a meeting with the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA), Sonowal invited South Korean companies to explore investment opportunities in India's shipbuilding and marine equipment manufacturing sectors.

KOMEA, established in 1980, represents 304 companies, including equipment manufacturers, design firms, shipbuilders and repairers. Its members include HD Hyundai, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries.

The association will open its first office in India in Mumbai on October 30.

In February 2025, KOMEA had offered to work with Indian shipyards on design, modernisation, technology transfer, joint education programmes and local manufacturing of marine equipment and spare parts.

"Every ship built in India needs engines, propulsion, deck machinery, and electrical and navigation systems," Sonowal said, adding that much of this high-value equipment is currently imported.

The minister said the demand presented an opportunity for Korean suppliers to establish manufacturing operations in India and participate in the country's expanding shipbuilding industry.

KOMEA Chairman Ho-il Kang said its members had begun preparing to enter the Indian market within the next two years.

Making a case for investments, Sonowal said India approved a shipbuilding package worth about USD 7.8 billion in September 2025.

Shipbuilding output rose 40% year-on-year in 2025 following the scheme's approval and grew by more than 80 per cent in 2026, he said.

The pipeline of vessels eligible for direct government assistance covers more than 120 ships worth over USD 1.27 billion, with export orders accounting for more than 80 per cent of the value, Sonowal said.

"We are already building for the world," he said.