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India's shipping minister Sonowal begins South Korea visit to boost shipbuilding ties
In brief
India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, began a four-day visit to South Korea on 25 October 2026. Starting in Busan, the centre of Korea's maritime industry, he met Indian professionals working at Korean shipyards and invited Korean industry to partner with India, which aims to be one of the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
Meeting Indians in Korean shipyards
According to the Press Information Bureau, India's Ambassador to South Korea, Gourangalal Das, introduced a gathering of Indian professionals from companies such as Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai, DNV and the Indian Register of Shipping. Sonowal asked them to act as "living bridges" between the two countries, to mentor young Indian engineers and to bring their experience back to Indian companies.
What is VOYAGES?
VOYAGES is the framework India and South Korea adopted in April, during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to India. It covers cooperation in shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics. Sonowal said India will need many more shipbuilders, marine engineers, naval architects, welders and project managers.
What's next on the trip
The minister plans to meet shipbuilding leaders, industry bodies and research institutes, and to join a World Maritime Day ministerial roundtable in Busan, where the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization is expected.
VSH take: Ships carry most of the world's trade, so shipbuilding skills could mean many new jobs for young Indians. Want to know the time in Busan? Try our world clock or the time zone converter, and see our exam guides for engineering entrance tips.
ViralScopeHub is an independent news summary site and is not affiliated with the Government of India or the Government of South Korea. Details are from the official release; check the official source for updates. The photo is a file photo.
Why it matters
A bigger shipbuilding industry could create jobs for engineers and skilled workers in India and strengthen trade links with South Korea.
People also ask
When did Sonowal's South Korea visit begin?
On 25 October 2026, with a four-day programme starting in Busan.
What is India's shipbuilding goal?
To become one of the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
What is VOYAGES?
An India-South Korea framework adopted in April covering shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics.
Who did he meet first?
Indian professionals working in the Korean shipbuilding industry, introduced by Ambassador Gourangalal Das.
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Sources
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