Dr. Malini Shankar, former director general of Shipping, didn’t mince words when she laid out India’s maritime vision at the India Habitat Centre. She’s calling for a bold blend of ancient maritime heritage and cutting-edge tech to boost maritime security, underwater domain awareness, and trade. This isn’t just about dusting off old maps; it’s about integrating centuries-old traditions with data analytics, autonomous ships, and sustainable maritime solutions. Shankar’s vision is clear: India’s maritime sector can regain its economic and global influence by balancing the old and the new.
Shankar pointed to India’s centuries-old maritime traditions, from ancient ports to traditional shipbuilding techniques, as evidence of the country’s early dominance in global trade. She highlighted Mandvi, a port town in Gujarat, as a living testament to these ancient practices. But she didn’t stop at nostalgia. She stressed the importance of blending ancient craftsmanship with modern tech, citing initiatives like the Stitched Ship Project. This project aims to reconstruct a vessel based on a 4th-century AD design, with the government allocating over Rs 100 crore to preserve maritime heritage.
Shankar’s vision isn’t just about looking back; it’s about looking forward. She emphasized the need for a forward-thinking approach that can help India’s maritime sector become a key driver of economic growth and global influence. With the shifting emphasis towards maritime security and underwater domain awareness, India will need to blend the knowledge of the past with the skills of the future.
The lecture series also featured Sudhir Devare, chairman of RIS’s Research Advisory Council, who discussed the Indian maritime sector’s potential to enhance economic connectivity. He highlighted key initiatives like the Sagar Project and the blue economy framework, which aim to harness the ocean’s resources for sustainable growth and global cooperation. He also spoke about the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC), a think tank created in 2023 with the support of the Ministry of Shipping, to strengthen India’s maritime sector and foster global connectivity.
Dr. Joy Sen, a regional planning expert and professor at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, examined India’s deep-rooted connection to the sea. He traced India’s maritime legacy from ancient seafaring links to modern initiatives focused on port development, security, and marine spatial planning. Sen called for a rethinking of India’s maritime future, proposing the creation of marine computation centres. These centres would bridge the gap between traditional industries and modern maritime technologies, serving as hubs for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.
Sen’s proposal isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake. He envisions these centres generating thousands of new jobs and shaping the future of India’s maritime workforce. This initiative could help prepare the workforce for the next 15 years, ensuring that India’s maritime sector is not just technologically advanced but also socially and economically robust.
The implications of this news are vast. By integrating ancient maritime heritage with cutting-edge technology, India could set a global precedent for sustainable maritime development. This approach could inspire other nations to re-evaluate their maritime strategies, blending historical knowledge with modern innovation. It could also spur advancements in marine spatial planning, underwater domain awareness, and sustainable maritime solutions. The creation of marine computation centres could revolutionize the maritime workforce, fostering a new generation of professionals skilled in both traditional and modern practices.
Moreover, this vision could reshape India’s role in global trade. By revitalizing ancient ports and trade routes, India could enhance its economic connectivity and influence. This could lead to new trade agreements, partnerships, and economic opportunities, positioning India as a leader in the global maritime industry.
However, the path forward isn’t without challenges. Balancing ancient traditions with modern technology requires careful planning and execution. It also necessitates significant investment in research, development, and workforce training. But if India can navigate these challenges, it could chart a course for a maritime future that is both historically rich and technologically advanced. This vision, if realized, could redefine India’s maritime sector, making it a global powerhouse in maritime innovation and sustainability.