India and South Korea have agreed to significantly deepen their maritime cooperation, with a strong focus on shipbuilding, port development, and maritime logistics, following high-level discussions during the South Korean President’s visit to India.
The two countries adopted a comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening collaboration across the maritime sector, aligning with India’s long-term vision to emerge as a global shipbuilding hub. The partnership is expected to leverage South Korea’s advanced capabilities in shipbuilding and maritime technologies alongside India’s growing infrastructure and industrial base.
A key highlight of the collaboration is India’s planned pipeline for the acquisition of over 400 vessels, with an estimated value of around ₹2.2 lakh crore. This large-scale demand is expected to create significant opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer, and capacity expansion in the shipbuilding sector.
The framework also includes the development of large greenfield shipbuilding clusters in India, with South Korean companies invited to act as strategic and technical partners. These collaborations are expected to cover areas such as design, advanced manufacturing, production engineering, and operational efficiency.
In addition to new shipbuilding projects, both sides have agreed to support the modernisation and expansion of existing Indian shipyards. This includes initiatives such as the development of block fabrication facilities and new dry docks to enable the construction of large and specialised vessels.
Port infrastructure development has also emerged as a key area of cooperation, with opportunities for South Korean participation in India’s upcoming port projects and logistics ecosystem. The collaboration is expected to improve efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and enhance India’s maritime capabilities.
The partnership further extends to skill development, financing mechanisms, and research collaboration, including training programmes and joint initiatives in maritime education, innovation, and green shipping technologies.
This expanded engagement reflects a broader strategic push by both nations to strengthen industrial cooperation and position themselves as key players in the global maritime economy. By combining infrastructure development with technology and investment, the India–South Korea partnership is expected to play a significant role in advancing sustainable and resilient maritime growth.
