Ministers discuss shipping, logistics and digital maritime collaboration.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal held bilateral talks with Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in logistics, shipping, maritime security, skill development and digital transformation. Both sides reaffirmed their long-standing maritime relationship and agreed that closer cooperation between India’s growing maritime sector and Panama’s logistics ecosystem could create new opportunities for trade, connectivity and investment.
During the meeting, Panama identified maritime security, technical cooperation between the Directorate General of Shipping and the Panama Maritime Authority, maritime education and digital maritime transformation as priority areas for future collaboration. Shri Sonowal proposed accelerating discussions on a bilateral agreement covering maritime transportation and port development, while also expanding cooperation in green ship recycling, port modernisation, warehousing, digital innovation, maritime infrastructure and seafarer welfare. He also invited Panama’s Minister of Maritime Affairs to participate in India Maritime Week 2026 in New Delhi as both countries agreed to advance institutional partnerships in the maritime sector.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
