India’s maritime history resurfaces as IMHC fosters global cooperation, celebrates heritage, and paves the way for sustainable solutions.
The maiden India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC) concluded successfully, reviving academic focus on India’s rich maritime legacy. Held under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two-day event highlighted India’s more than 5,000-year-old maritime history, once neglected for decades, as a pivotal global connector.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised, “India’s maritime rise is a testament to its resurgence as a global power. The IMHC is a step towards leveraging our heritage to address contemporary maritime challenges sustainably.”
Prominent maritime nations, including Greece, Italy, and the UK, joined the conclave, presenting research and deliberating on sustainable solutions for the global maritime sector. The event underscored India’s historical naval legacy, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, and its critical role in connecting ancient trade routes.
The upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, home to the world’s first dock, emerged as a focal point. The NMHC will celebrate India’s ancient maritime innovations, including prehistoric shipbuilding and beadmaking techniques, showcasing the nation’s global connections and vision for a sustainable future.
Sonowal highlighted, “The NMHC will stand as a testament to India’s maritime prowess and inspire a sustainable global shipping industry led by India.” IMHC’s sessions emphasised aligning the maritime industry with India’s Net Zero goals, showcasing India’s potential to lead the way in sustainable ocean usage.
This collaboration signals a resurgence of India’s role as a maritime powerhouse, connecting ancient legacies with contemporary innovations for shared global growth.
