Latest news with #Sonowal
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bills Of Lading 2025: Rajya Sabha Passes Landmark 'Bills of Lading, 2025'; Set for Presidential AssentETInfra
Advt Minister's remarks in Parliament Key provisions of the bill By , ETInfra Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. Get updates on your preferred social platform Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more. On the first day of the Monsoon Session, the Rajya Sabha passed the 'Bills of Lading, 2025' bill, clearing the way for it to become law pending Presidential assent . The legislation, already cleared by the Lok Sabha, was tabled in the Upper House by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal The bill seeks to repeal and replace the Indian Bills of Lading Act , 1856, introducing a revised legal framework for shipping documentation . According to the government, the legislation updates legal definitions and provisions to bring India in line with current international the bill, Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'This vision is not merely aspirational; it is a call to action, urging us to align our efforts and aspirations with the promise of a new and prosperous Bharat. In the words of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, 'India must act with speed and scale to reform its systems and transform its future'.'Sonowal further said, 'Today, as we reflect on the 76th year since the adoption of the Indian Constitution , it is the perfect moment to cast aside the remnants of colonial and pre-constitutional legacies that hinder our progress. 'Swarnim Bharat' needs a statute that is contemporary, crafted by our own people, and capable of addressing the challenges of the modern era.'The new law updates the terminology and framework used in shipping documentation in India. It outlines the rights and obligations of carriers, shippers, and lawful legislation also includes a clause allowing the central government to issue directions for implementation, and a standard repeal and saving clause to ensure the continuity of past actions under the previous calling for support in the House, said, ''The Bills of Lading, 2025' bill reflects our constitutional values and marks a vital step in replacing outdated colonial laws with a modern, accessible framework. As our maritime sector expands rapidly, this reform will boost ease of doing business , reduce disputes, and strengthen India's global trade standing. As the saying goes — 'Whoever rules the waves, rules the world' — it's time India leads from the front.'
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Parliament clears ‘Bills of Lading, 2025' bill on the 1st day of monsoon sessio, replaces 169 year-old law
The Rajya Sabha passed the 'Bills of Lading, 2025' bill on the first day of the monsoon session on Monday, paving the way for Presidential assent to replace a colonial-era law. Tabled by the Union minister of ports, shipping & waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, the passage of the bill marks a watershed moment for India's maritime sector, the ministry said. The bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha, now awaits Presidential assent to become law. Once enacted, it will replace the 169 year-old Indian Lading Act, 1856 with a modern, simplified, and globally aligned legal framework for maritime shipping documentation in India. The new law replaces archaic terminology with clear and business-friendly language, streamlining rights and obligations for carriers, shippers and lawful holders; reducing ambiguity in shipping documentation to lower litigation risks as well as strengthening India's position in global trade by aligning with international norms. Tabling the bill, Sonowal said, 'Today, as we reflect on the 76th year since the adoption of the Indian Constitution, it is the perfect moment to cast aside the remnants of colonial and pre-constitutional legacies that hinder our progress. 'Swarnim Bharat' needs a statute that is contemporary, crafted by our own people, and capable of addressing the challenges of the modern era.' The bill renames the outdated law, symbolising a decisive move away from India's colonial past. It simplifies legal language, restructures complex provisions, and introduces an enabling clause empowering the central government to issue directions for effective implementation. By incorporating a standard repeal and saving clause, the legislation ensures continuity and legal validity of past actions under the old Act. These reforms aim to enhance clarity, promote ease of understanding, and enable smoother enforcement in line with contemporary trade and legal standards enabling Ease of Doing Business in India, the ministry said. Sonowal said, ''The Bills of Lading, 2025' bill reflects our constitutional values and marks a vital step in replacing outdated colonial laws with a modern, accessible framework. As our maritime sector expands rapidly, this reform will boost ease of doing business, reduce disputes, and strengthen India's global trade standing. As the saying goes — 'Whoever rules the waves, rules the world' — it's time India leads from the front.'
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Rajya Sabha passes The Bills of Lading, 2025
During the Monsoon session of the Parliament, the Rajya Sabha passed The Bills of Lading, 2025, aimed at updating, simplifying the legal framework for shipping documents. During the discussion, BJD MP Niranjan Bishi noted that modernisation should not come at the cost of accountability, equity and legal clarity. He highlighted that Section 4 (1) of the Bill allowed a bill of lading to be treated as valid even when goods have not been shipped. 'This opens the door for fake bills, fraudulent trading and hawala-type transactions,' he said. Also Read: Parliament Monsoon Session Day 1 LIVE updates on July 21, 2025 While talking about the electronic bill of lading, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that it requires a separate framework and legislation. He addressed the concerns about provisions pertaining to the e-bill of lading not being a part of the current Act. He says that an e-bill of lading is not merely a digital version of a physical bill. Mr. Sonowal also highlighted the development of the Ministry and the Sagarmala programme over the past ten years. He said that the Sagarmala programme focused on evolving world-class ports, particularly in terms of cargo. 'Earlier, there was no connectivity, but now there is a synchronisation between ministries and hence effective operation,' he said, noting that the ports are well connected to railways, roadways and relevant agencies. Mr. Sonowal moved that the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, be considered. It was adopted clause-by-clause and passed.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Arakan Army is key to India's Myanmar strategy: Time to acknowledge it
The successful completion of the Kaladan project is much more than just a 'friendship treaty' between India and Myanmar. It could become the axis around which India manages the growing instability on its northeastern borders read more This week, the Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced that the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) will be operational by 2027. The project aims to connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe in Rakhine State of Myanmar by sea. Further, in Myanmar, it will link Sittwe to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river route, and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram, India by road. Funded by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the project has faced considerable roadblocks since 2010. Aimed at reducing the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by 1,328 km and creating an alternative route to the Siliguri Corridor, the critical Paletwa-to-Zorinpui road is yet to be completed, even though the Sittwe port received its first cargo ships from India in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sonowal also stated that the 'Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is the result of the India–Myanmar Friendship Treaty. This is a strategic initiative to enhance connectivity between India's northeast and Myanmar'. To this end, the Shipping Ministry has invested Rs 1,000 crore in developing the waterways for the project. However, since the military-led coup in Myanmar (2021), the future of KMMTTP has seemed uncertain, irrespective of the money injected into it. More from Opinion Tesla touches down, but will it build in India? In post-coup Myanmar, various Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) have emerged as powerful military and political forces crucial to the country's future. Some are fighting for federalism, others for autonomy from the Tatmadaw. Their need to retain territorial control has ensured that conflict remains perpetual. Substantial territory is controlled by the EAOs—some estimates suggest almost 50 per cent—though the majority of the population still lives in Tatmadaw-controlled areas. There are over two hundred EAOs in the country. However, not all EAOs have equal influence, territory, training, or weaponry. Some have also clashed with each other over territorial control. But within this complex mosaic of EAOs and the fight for territory, it is one of the youngest EAOs that has emerged as the most influential. In Rakhine State, where the KMMTTP is situated, the Arakan Army (AA) controls most of the state. Established in 2009 with a strength of just 25, it was founded on the 'Way of the Rakhita' or the Arakan Dream. The group envisions establishing an independent Arakan nation, evoking memories of the once-powerful Arakan Kingdom (1425–1785). With a strength of 30,000 soldiers, the AA is a sophisticated militia that provides training to other smaller EAOs, stationing nearly 6,000 soldiers across territories controlled by their allies. Its young, dynamic leadership, such as Maj. Gen. Twan Mrat Naing, is known for its extensive networks across Myanmar and internationally. The AA is extremely popular among locals and has managed to capture most of Rakhine State and Paletwa in neighbouring Chin State. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, out of the 18 townships in Rakhine, 15 are under AA control. However, Sittwe (the capital of Rakhine), Kyaukphyu (where China has critical investments), and the island of Manaung (due to its geostrategic location) remain untouched. One argument is that these territories remain untouched because the AA lacks naval power, unlike the Tatmadaw. While that may be true, there has also been news of the Chinese resuming construction near Kyaukphyu port after striking a deal with the AA to provide protection for Chinese construction workers. It was in 2023 that the China-backed Three Brotherhood Alliance—comprising the MNDAA, Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army—launched the highly successful Operation 1027 against the Tatmadaw. At the time, China was interested in pressuring the Tatmadaw to curb illegal gambling and cyber-scam operations in northern Shan State, which were directly impacting Chinese citizens. But after securing the Tatmadaw's compliance, China swiftly adjusted its approach by exerting influence on key EAOs as well as the Tatmadaw, even appointing a Special Envoy for negotiations between them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China's primary interest in a stable Myanmar is to limit Western influence and ensure the security of its infrastructure projects, such as the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, power plant, and oil and gas pipelines. Their success in brokering deals with both the Tatmadaw and the AA—reportedly including allowing Chinese security personnel to protect these assets—should be a cause of concern for India. On the other hand, India has taken a measured approach to Myanmar, keeping communication channels open with the State Administration Council (SAC), the governing body of the Tatmadaw, while also providing humanitarian aid after the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the country on March 28, 2025. India has investments not just in KMMTTP but also in the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway. However, beyond focusing on infrastructure completion and security, India's Myanmar policy should now be driven by the need to secure its northeastern borders—leveraging the on-ground reality that Chinese influence in Myanmar is disliked by large sections of the local population. The ultra-nationalist Tatmadaw and China have had strained relations in the past, and even today, the relationship remains transactional. In contrast, India enjoys a unique cultural and historical connection that can serve as a special pivot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To this end, India's engagement with major independent stakeholders in Myanmar is unlikely to face opposition. India could begin with the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State. To find a middle path, one must read between the lines. It is possible that the AA is deliberately refraining from advancing on the three critical revenue-generating townships—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—not merely because of naval limitations, but also to use them as leverage with external stakeholders like China and India, as well as with the Tatmadaw. They may be aiming to negotiate a revenue-sharing model. In this scenario, the Tatmadaw and the AA could reach a mutual understanding that includes a federal system with an Arakanese Chief Minister—a demand even the National League for Democracy (NLD) failed to deliver. This is where India could play the role of a mediator—not only positioning itself positively among the Arakanese but also building trust with the SAC. The successful completion of the KMMTTP project is much more than just a 'friendship treaty' between India and Myanmar. It could become the axis around which India manages the growing instability on its northeastern borders. India must recognise that the 'strategic initiative', as highlighted by Sonowal, is not limited to finding an alternative to the Siliguri Corridor or merely countering China—it is also essential for the Arakan Army and the people of Rakhine State. The last leg of the project, from Paletwa to Zorinpui, will allow for the supply of essential goods such as food, construction materials, and medical aid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If India truly wishes to rise as a regional power, it must ensure that the KMMTTP is completed swiftly. Rami Niranjan Desai is a scholar of India's Northeast and neighbourhood. She is a columnist and author and presently works as Distinguished Fellow at India Foundation, New Delhi. She recently undertook a fieldtrip to Myanmar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India aiming to emerge as global maritime hub, says Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday inaugurated the second Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ( BIMSTEC ) Ports Conclave here, stressing that India aims to emerge as a global maritime hub . Hosted by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), the two-day conclave is themed as 'Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships', bringing together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries. "Prime Minister's Vision 2030 and 2047 aims to make India a global maritime leader," said Sonowal, addressing the conclave. He said the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave stands as a springboard to unlock the immense potential of blue economy from the Bay of Bengal region. "Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , India has a "Neighbourhood First" policy and in this sees BIMSTEC nations as key partners in regional prosperity," said Sonowal. Live Events "We want this platform to enhance collaboration among all member nations for strengthening port led industrialisation, digital integration and skill development which in turn boost cruise tourism, and foster coastal economic zones," he said. According to the minister, BIMSTEC member countries--India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand--should aim to create a seamless and efficient network of ports that could serve as engines of growth. Through joint feasibility studies, PPP (Public Private Partnership), and skill development of maritime workforce, Sonowal said BIMSTEC can transform the region into a thriving hub of global trade, tourism, and sustainable economic progress. Further, Sonowal said a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre is going to be established under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. He inaugurated multiple projects in the port, such as new oil refinery berth-2, fire fighting facilities at OSTT Berth, new port operating system, vessel traffic management system (VTMS) and others. Moreover, he laid the foundation stone for the construction of B-Ramp in the port area, finger jetty and wharf in fishing harbour, two additional breasting dolphins at OSTT and others.
