Sonowal Pitches India’s Waterways to Bhutan as Shipyard Orders Surge

Guwahati: Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is opening India’s maritime network to landlocked Bhutan. Speaking at the Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue in New Delhi on October 8, the minister explained how the Brahmaputra serves as a gateway to the Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh. A short trip of 150 kilometers from Bhutan leads to these crucial waterways, offering a path for the nation's cargo to hit global markets. "Supposing Bhutan, it is on the hilltop; there is no coastline, there is no sea, no big rivers, just mountains. Why do they want to build a relationship with us?" Sonowal asked.

The minister confirmed that the trade route is set for cargo movement and export demand. Beyond regional logistics, India's shipbuilding industry is on a tear. Cochin Shipyard Limited now holds over 40 orders from foreign clients. Germany, the United States, and Norway lead the list of nations buying Indian-made vessels. This growth shows rising global confidence in local production quality.

The three-day event, running from October 7 to 9, gathers maritime leaders to discuss sustainability and technology. Sonowal pushed for the youth to build skills in port operations, repair, and logistics. He also highlighted the shift toward green fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and e-methanol to lower climate impacts. He emphasized that the nation’s transition requires both education and active participation. "It's a question of eagerness and willingness," he said.