India is stepping up its global maritime ambitions at the Singapore Maritime Week 2026, showcasing its capabilities through a dedicated India Pavilion and a high-level delegation focused on sustainability, digitalisation and global partnerships.
The India Pavilion, inaugurated by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai and Mr Vijay Kumar, Secretary in India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on April 21, highlights India’s push towards green shipping and smart logistics.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, alongside industry leaders and maritime stakeholders.
The pavilion serves as a comprehensive showcase of India’s maritime ecosystem – from port-led infrastructure development and multimodal logistics to policy reforms and digital governance. It also features representation from Invest India, underlining the country’s efforts to attract global investment into its maritime and logistics sectors.
A central theme of India’s participation is sustainability. Exhibits and discussions emphasise green shipping practices, decarbonisation strategies, and the development of cleaner maritime corridors, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions in international shipping.
Officials said India is positioning itself as a future-ready maritime hub with a strong focus on environmentally responsible growth.
The Indian delegation, comprising representatives from MoPSW, the Directorate General of Shipping and key industry players, has been actively engaging in high-level meetings and discussions during the week-long event, held from April 20 to 24 and organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
On the sidelines, Indian officials met Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, to discuss global priorities such as maritime decarbonisation, digital transformation and seafarer welfare.
The meeting also reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its role within the IMO framework, following its re-election to the IMO Council under Category B.
Discussions covered pressing global challenges, including supply chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties and maritime security, while both sides explored avenues for deeper technical cooperation. India also emphasised the need for improved working conditions and legal protections for seafarers.
Another key area of engagement has been India’s participation in Green and Digital Shipping Corridor initiatives. The delegation took part in discussions on data-sharing frameworks, automation and next-generation port technologies, building on the India–Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor agreement signed in 2025.
These corridors aim to enhance efficiency and sustainability through digital integration and reduced emissions across shipping routes.
As part of its learning and collaboration efforts, the Indian delegation also visited Tuas Port, one of the world’s most advanced fully automated ports. The visit provided insights into cutting-edge port operations, including automation, artificial intelligence-driven logistics and integrated digital systems – areas India is keen to adopt and scale.
Singapore Maritime Week 2026, marking its 20th edition, has drawn more than 20,000 participants from nearly 80 countries, including ministers, policymakers and industry leaders. The event has focused on key issues such as digitalisation, decarbonisation and the future of global trade, with Singapore reinforcing its position as a leading global maritime hub.
India’s participation, supported by the High Commission of India in Singapore, reflects a broader strategic push to expand its global maritime footprint and deepen bilateral ties with Singapore.
Officials said the pavilion and engagements offer a platform for collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange, particularly in emerging areas such as green shipping, automation and resilient supply chains.
