The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has signed a Plan of Implementation (PoI) with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to enhance skill development in India’s shipbuilding and marine sector, marking a significant step towards building a globally competitive maritime ecosystem.
The agreement, signed on April 2, 2026, is aligned with the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to position shipbuilding as a strategic driver of economic growth and strengthen India’s standing in global maritime trade.
Under the collaboration, KOICA along with institutions such as the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training will undertake comprehensive research on India’s shipbuilding and marine engineering sectors. This will include workforce mapping, skill gap assessment, and the preparation of a structured master plan and roadmap for human resource development.
The initiative is designed to build a future-ready, skilled workforce by developing targeted training frameworks and strengthening institutional capacity. It will also facilitate the introduction of global best practices from South Korea, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding nations, into India’s maritime training ecosystem.
As part of the implementation, bilateral workshops will be conducted in both India and South Korea, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to exchange knowledge and enhance collaboration.
In addition, discussions are at an advanced stage to establish a ‘Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center’ in India, which will focus on vocational training, advanced technical skills, and productivity enhancement tailored to the needs of the shipbuilding industry.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described the partnership as a key milestone in India’s maritime journey, highlighting its role in creating a technologically advanced workforce capable of supporting the country’s ambition to become a global shipbuilding hub.
The collaboration is expected to generate employment opportunities, strengthen institutional frameworks, and improve overall competitiveness of India’s shipbuilding and marine sectors, while advancing the country’s goal of building a self-reliant and globally integrated maritime industry.
