Latest news with #SarbanandaSonowal
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Garden Reach inks pact with Norway firm, India to build its first polar research vehicle
Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), a Government of India undertaking, signed an MoU with Norwegian firm Kongsberg on Tuesday to co-design and build India's first-ever polar research vehicle (PRV) indigenously. The MoU was signed in Oslo in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who termed it 'a commitment to fostering scientific discovery, advancing India's capabilities in polar and ocean research, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing challenges like climate change.' 'Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India's unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy — a legacy of innovation, exploration and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come,' Sonowal said. A PRV is a ship which serves as a platform for research in the polar regions (areas surrounding the North and South Poles). It can also help scientists undertake research in the ocean realm. India currently operates three research base stations in the polar regions — Bharati and Maitri in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic region — and had been planning to have its own PRV for a while now. In 2023, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that the country would have its first PRV within five years at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,600 crore. According to the Ministry, the MoU marks an important milestone for India's shipbuilding sector as it will receive design expertise for developing the PRV 'while taking into account the requirement of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, which will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms'. The PRV will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling researchers to explore the oceans' depths and study marine ecosystems, Sonowal said. It will be a testament to India's critical shipbuilding capabilities, boosting the Government's 'Make In India' initiative, he added. GRSE, which has built warships, survey and research vessels, will build the PRV in its yard in Kolkata. Meanwhile, Sonowal, who is on a five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark, also represented India in a ministerial meeting on the role of shipping in shaping the future. The meeting emphasised the need for the industry to seek out a stable, long-term, regulatory environment supporting inclusive and decarbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China and Norway also attended the meet. Underlining PM Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region — Sonowal said it 'leverages India's vast coastline, strategic location, and maritime heritage to drive economic prosperity, enhance regional security, and ensure sustainable development for all stakeholders'. 'This entails economic cooperation, capacity building, disaster management, information sharing and environmental stewardship. Upgrading from the SAGAR initiative, India's PM Narendra Modi ji announced MAHASAGAR — which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, signalling further consolidation,' he added. Sonowal also held a roundtable meeting with Norwegian shipowners, and invited investment in India's maritime sector. Vikas Pathak is deputy associate editor with The Indian Express and writes on national politics. He has over 17 years of experience, and has worked earlier with The Hindustan Times and The Hindu, among other publications. He has covered the national BJP, some key central ministries and Parliament for years, and has covered the 2009 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls and many state assembly polls. He has interviewed many Union ministers and Chief Ministers. Vikas has taught as a full-time faculty member at Asian College of Journalism, Chennai; Symbiosis International University, Pune; Jio Institute, Navi Mumbai; and as a guest professor at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. Vikas has authored a book, Contesting Nationalisms: Hinduism, Secularism and Untouchability in Colonial Punjab (Primus, 2018), which has been widely reviewed by top academic journals and leading newspapers. He did his PhD, M Phil and MA from JNU, New Delhi, was Student of the Year (2005-06) at ACJ and gold medalist from University Rajasthan College in Jaipur in graduation. He has been invited to top academic institutions like JNU, St Stephen's College, Delhi, and IIT Delhi as a guest speaker/panellist. ... Read More
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India Pavilion inaugurated by Crown Prince of Norway with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at Nor-Shipping in Oslo
Oslo [Norway], June 3 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, joined His Royal Highness (HRH) The Crown Prince of Norway, Haakon, in Oslo, on Tuesday to jointly inaugurate the India Pavilion at Nor-Shipping, a premium global maritime event. Marking India's first-ever participation in this premier global maritime event, the pavilion is designed to showcase the country's maritime strengths and serve as a platform to foster alliances and cooperation with international maritime players, enhancing India's capabilities in the sector. HRH The Crown Prince was accompanied by the Union Minister as both of them visited the stalls at the India pavilion. The Union Minister escorted the Crown Prince around the India Pavilion before taking him to show the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) model at the pavilion, which drew applause from the Norwegian Prince. The Crown Prince enquired about India's maritime legacy and quipped that 'India's four thousand years old maritime history is older than Norwegian Viking maritime tradition'. The NMHC, being developed at Lothal in Gujarat, is aimed at preserving and showcasing India's maritime heritage from the Indus Valley Civilisation up to this date. NMHC is dedicated to the legacy of maritime heritage of India. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sonowal, said, 'Under PM Narendra Modi ji's guidance, India is embarking on an ambitious maritime journey, one that is simultaneously rooted in our heritage and geared for the future. PM Modi ji's philosophy of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', Development as well as Heritage, guides all our endeavours. It reminds us that as we build smart ports, modern ships, and digital infrastructure, we must also preserve and celebrate the ancient wisdom of our seas, our shipbuilders, and our sailors. India has a glorious maritime past that stretches back over 5,000 years, from the dockyards of the Indus Valley to the vibrant spice trade of the southern coast. In line with this philosophy, we are developing a world-class institution: the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.' During his visit to the India Pavilion, The Crown Prince took a keen interest in India's recent economic performance and expressed admiration for the country's robust annual growth exceeding 8 per cent this year. The Crown Prince confirmed his upcoming visit to India later this year, accompanied by a high-level business delegation. As a gesture of goodwill, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented the Crown Prince with a commemorative plaque inspired by the Harappan civilisation. The Minister also extended an invitation to the Crown Prince to visit the upcoming NMHC and sought Norway's cooperation in the project's successful realisation. At the India Pavilion in the Nor-Shipping event, there are leading Indian maritime companies such as Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Goa Shipyard Ltd, Mandovi Dry Docks, and L&T Shipbuilding. They are accompanied by key MSME players in the maritime sector, including Chowgule & Company, Yeoman Marine Services, Shoft Shipyard, Marine Electricals, SEDS, SWAN Defence, Buoyancy Consultants, among others, showcasing the breadth and depth of India's maritime industry. Adding further, Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'We see Norway not just as a maritime leader of the modern era, but as a natural and trusted partner in this journey. Your seafaring legacy, your pioneering spirit, from Viking longships to Arctic expeditions, is truly inspiring. India proposes a comprehensive partnership with Norway for the NMHC, encompassing three kinds of collaboration, Cultural collaboration, through exchange of maritime artefacts, archival material, and exhibitions that tell the story of global navigation and Indo-Nordic connections; Technological collaboration, drawing upon Norway's expertise in museum design, digital storytelling, sustainability, and heritage conservation; and Academic and institutional collaboration, with Norwegian museums and universities, to jointly promote research in marine archaeology, shipbuilding traditions, and conservation science. This is not merely a project, it is a living bridge between our civilisations, our innovations, and our visions for the future. I believe that with your partnership, India and Norway can together chart a new maritime horizon--one that is sustainable, inclusive, and inspired by heritage.' During the Crown Prince's visit to the India Pavilion, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also highlighted the special bilateral relationship that both countries enjoy with each other. India and Norway, as key maritime nations, share a robust and growing partnership. Norwegian shipowners have offices in India, with Indian seafarers making up 10% of their vessel crews. Indian shipyards, like Cochin Shipyard, have built several large Norwegian vessels, showcasing India's shipbuilding strength. The collaboration extends to the blue economy, with joint initiatives in marine spatial planning, pollution research, tsunami early warning systems, and deep-sea mining. The Joint Task Force on Blue Economy, established in 2019, continues to drive sustainable development and innovation in the maritime sector. Sarbananda Sonowal paid homage at the 'Minnehallen Memorial' in Stavern, Norway Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal became the first Indian Minister to visit the 'Minnehallen Memorial' in Stavern, paying tribute to fallen sailors with solemn respect. Sonowal paid obeisance and remembered the 86 Indian seafarers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Speaking after the visit, Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'It is an honour to visit the Minnehallen Memorial and pay tribute to the brave 94 Indian sailors who served with courage and sacrifice during World War II. Their legacy of dedication and commitment inspires us to strengthen maritime ties and uphold their spirit of resilience.' During World War II, Indian seafarers formed the third largest foreign national group serving aboard Norwegian merchant ships. Most hailed from Punjab and Bengal, with a notable number of Christian sailors from Goa as well. At least 86 Indian seamen lost their lives in the line of duty. In honour of their sacrifice, the Norwegian government inscribed their names on copper plaques, which are now installed at the Minnehallen Memorial. The Seamen's Memorial Hall is Norway's official memorial in commemoration of the seafarers who perished during the First and Second World War. In the crypt of the memorial, 8000 names of deceased seafarers are engraved into copper plates. (ANI)
India Gazette
6 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India to build first-ever Polar Research Vessel as GRSE signs MoU with Norway's Kongsberg
Oslo [Norway], June 3 (ANI): India's Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway's Kongsberg company to build India's first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV). According to a release, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, also attended the MoU signing ceremony between the two companies. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Norshipping 2025, a maritime trade fair on June 2 in Oslo, Norway. Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, 'Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India's unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come.' He highlighted how the MoU will boost the 'Make in India' initiative, launched in 2014, which is meant to boost India's manufacturing sector, including increasing indigenous defence manufacturing. 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, this MoU is a commitment to fostering scientific discovery, advancing India's capabilities in polar and ocean research, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing challenges like climate change. The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling our researchers to explore the oceans' depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet's past, present, and future. This will be a testament of India's critical shipbuilding capabilities -- boosting further 'Make In India' initiative of the government,' Sonowal said. 'I congratulate all stakeholders for their dedication and look forward to the day when this Polar Research Vessel sets sail, carrying India's aspirations to the farthest reaches of the globe,' he added. The MoU between GRSE and Knogsberg marks an important milestone for India's shipbuilding sector as it will receive design expertise for developing the PRV, while taking into account the requirement of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR), who will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms. GRSE will be building the PRV in its yard in Kolkata, ensuring a boost to Government's 'Make In India' initiative. The leadership of Kongsberg as well as GRSE joined the Union Minister, senior government officials from Norway and India at the event. After the signing of the MoU, GRSE highlighted how the PRV will help with supporting India's scientific research missions in Arctic and Antartic Regions, contributing to climate research, oceanography and polar logistics. 'The vessel will play a pivotal role in supporting India's scientific missions in the Arctic and Antartic Regions contributing significantly to climate research, oceanography and polar logistics. This is in line with the strategic initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences MoES, Govt of India to acquire a state of Art Polar Research vessel (PRV) aimed at strengthening India's Polar research capabilities,' GRSE posted on X. Union Minister Sonowal also represented India in a high Level Ministerial Meeting on the 'Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future.' The meet emphasised the need of the industry to align towards a stable, long term regulatory environment supporting an inclusive and de-carbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China, and Norway joined Sonowal at the meet. 'India's maritime sector is on a transformative path, driven by sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships. We invite greater collaboration with Norway to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem. With major investments in green ports, alternative fuels like green hydrogen, and strategic incentives, India aims to become a global leader in shipbuilding. Our growing partnership with Norway -- reflected in Indian shipyards delivering next-gen vessels to Norwegian firms -- showcases India's emergence as a trusted, future-ready hub for cost-effective and sustainable maritime solutions,' the union minister said. He also highlighted key areas for India-Norway maritime collaboration, saying that Indian shipyards currently hold 11% of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association (NSA)'s order book. He urged for further expansion of orders, including leveraging India's ship-breaking credit note scheme. He also underlined the significant investment opportunities available under India's flagship Sagarmala programme and the USD 2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, offering incentives across shipbuilding, ports, and logistics. The Minister stressed India's commitment to innovation through digital platforms like ONOP and MAITRI and Invited Norway's cooperation in green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and IMO-aligned net-zero goals, noting that 87% of Indian recycling yards are now HKC compliant. The Union Minister is on a five day official visit to Norway to participate in Nor-Shipping event as well as to Denmark, with a main aim to further strengthen the maritime relationship with the leaders of the Global Maritime sector. (ANI)
Mint
9 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
India to build its first polar research vessel in Kolkatta with Norway's help
In a major boost to India's capabilities in polar and ocean research, the country is set to build its first polar research vessel (PRV). Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) and Norway-based Kongsberg signed a memorandum of understanding in Oslo on Tuesday paving the way for India to build the vehicle. GRSE, which has experience in constructing complex maritime platforms such as warships, and survey vessels, will build this PRV in its yard in Kolkata. The partnership marks an important milestone for India's shipbuilding sector. While GRSE will receive design expertise for developing the PRV, Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research will be able to use the indigenously built vehicle for its research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms. 'The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling our researchers to explore the oceans' depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet's past, present, and future,' Sarbananda Sonowal, India's minister of ports, shipping and waterways, said in a press statement. Sonowal, who attended the MoU signing ceremony in Oslo, is on a five-day official visit to Norway to participate in the Nor-Shipping maritime trade fair, as well as to Denmark, to strengthen India's maritime relationship with the leaders of the Global Maritime. On 28 May, earth sciences secretary M. Ravichandran told Mint that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) plans to acquire two multidisciplinary oceanographic research vessels at a cost of ₹ 1,000 crore each. The two vessels, which will be built in India. will support deep-sea scientific surveys and sampling as part of the shipping ministry's Deep Ocean Mission. The vessels will be equipped with advanced laboratories and scientific equipment, including multibeam bathymetry systems, multichannel seismics, ocean profilers, seabed samplers, onboard analytical systems, and heavy-duty deck machinery. 'Each vessel will be capable of carrying researchers up to 6 km deep into the ocean to explore both living and non-living resources. Currently, we know only about 1% of the deep ocean floor,' Ravichandran told Mint. On Tuesday, Sonowal invited Norwegian shipowners to invest in India's growing maritime sector during a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners' Association (NSA). 'We invite greater collaboration with Norway to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem. Our growing partnership with Norway—reflected in Indian shipyards delivering next-gen vessels to Norwegian firms—showcases India's emergence as a trusted, future-ready hub for cost-effective and sustainable maritime solutions,' he said. Sonowal also highlighted key areas for India-Norway maritime collaboration. Pointing out that Indian shipyards hold 11% of NSA's order book, he urged for further expansion of orders, including leveraging India's ship-breaking credit note scheme. The minister also sought Norway's cooperation in green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and International Maritime Organization (IMO)-aligned net-zero goals, noting that 87% of Indian recycling yards are compliant with the Hong Kong international convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India to build first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel as GRSE signs MoU with Norway's Kongsberg
India's Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway's Kongsberg company to build India's first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV). According to a release, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, also attended the MoU signing ceremony between the two companies. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Norshipping 2025, a maritime trade fair on June 2 in Oslo, Norway. Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, "Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India's unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come." He highlighted how the MoU will boost the 'Make in India' initiative, launched in 2014, which is meant to boost India's manufacturing sector, including increasing indigenous defence manufacturing. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, this MoU is a commitment to fostering scientific discovery, advancing India's capabilities in polar and ocean research, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing challenges like climate change. The vessel will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling our researchers to explore the oceans' depths, study marine ecosystems, and unlock new insights into our planet's past, present, and future. This will be a testament of India's critical shipbuilding capabilities -- boosting further 'Make In India' initiative of the government," Sonowal said. "I congratulate all stakeholders for their dedication and look forward to the day when this Polar Research Vessel sets sail, carrying India's aspirations to the farthest reaches of the globe," he added. The MoU between GRSE and Knogsberg marks an important milestone for India's shipbuilding sector as it will receive design expertise for developing the PRV, while taking into account the requirement of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR), who will use it for research activities in the polar and southern ocean realms. GRSE will be building the PRV in its yard in Kolkata, ensuring a boost to Government's 'Make In India' initiative. The leadership of Kongsberg as well as GRSE joined the Union Minister, senior government officials from Norway and India at the event. After the signing of the MoU, GRSE highlighted how the PRV will help with supporting India's scientific research missions in Arctic and Antartic Regions, contributing to climate research, oceanography and polar logistics. "The vessel will play a pivotal role in supporting India's scientific missions in the Arctic and Antartic Regions contributing significantly to climate research, oceanography and polar logistics. This is in line with the strategic initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences MoES, Govt of India to acquire a state of Art Polar Research vessel (PRV) aimed at strengthening India's Polar research capabilities," GRSE posted on X. Union Minister Sonowal also represented India in a high Level Ministerial Meeting on the 'Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future.' The meet emphasised the need of the industry to align towards a stable, long term regulatory environment supporting an inclusive and de-carbonised ocean-based trade. Ministers from Brazil, Japan, UN, US, China, and Norway joined Sonowal at the meet. "India's maritime sector is on a transformative path, driven by sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships. We invite greater collaboration with Norway to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem. With major investments in green ports, alternative fuels like green hydrogen, and strategic incentives, India aims to become a global leader in shipbuilding. Our growing partnership with Norway -- reflected in Indian shipyards delivering next-gen vessels to Norwegian firms -- showcases India's emergence as a trusted, future-ready hub for cost-effective and sustainable maritime solutions," the union minister said. He also highlighted key areas for India-Norway maritime collaboration, saying that Indian shipyards currently hold 11% of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association (NSA)'s order book. He urged for further expansion of orders, including leveraging India's ship-breaking credit note scheme. He also underlined the significant investment opportunities available under India's flagship Sagarmala programme and the USD 2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund, offering incentives across shipbuilding, ports, and logistics. The Minister stressed India's commitment to innovation through digital platforms like ONOP and MAITRI and Invited Norway's cooperation in green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and IMO-aligned net-zero goals, noting that 87% of Indian recycling yards are now HKC compliant. The Union Minister is on a five day official visit to Norway to participate in Nor-Shipping event as well as to Denmark, with a main aim to further strengthen the maritime relationship with the leaders of the Global Maritime sector.
