Women’s participation in the maritime sector rises 340% since 2020

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said the participation of women in India’s maritime sector has risen by 340% since 2020, reflecting the government’s focus on developing a more inclusive and future-oriented maritime workforce.

Addressing the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi, Sonowal emphasised that “Nari Shakti” remains a key pillar in India’s maritime growth journey.

Sonowal said, “Through initiatives like ‘Sagar Mein Samman’, we are advancing dignity, inclusion and leadership opportunities for women in the maritime sector, which has seen a remarkable rise of about 340% since 2020.”

The session was attended by Dhananjay Ramful and Waleed Mohammed Al-Qadimi.

Sonowal said the growing involvement of women in the maritime sector aligns with India’s broader vision of linking economic progress with social inclusion. He emphasised that people remain at the centre of India’s maritime strategy, along with priorities such as security, connectivity, and sustainability.

Sarbananda Sonowal said India’s maritime initiatives are guided by the frameworks such as SAGAR and MAHASAGAR, which aim to strengthen regional cooperation and promote inclusive growth.

The 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue, hosted by India as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for 2025–27, is being held under the theme “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World.” The forum has brought together ministers, policymakers, academics and industry leaders to discuss maritime security, the blue economy, disaster risk management and women’s empowerment.

Under India’s leadership of IORA, discussions are centred around “Innovation, Openness, Resilience and Adaptability,” with women’s economic empowerment identified as a major priority area.

Sonowal also highlighted India’s role as a regional “net security provider,” pointing to the country’s efforts in humanitarian assistance, maritime surveillance and disaster response. He stressed that maritime challenges require collective action based on transparency and respect for international law.

The Indian Ocean Dialogue, launched in 2014 in Kochi, serves as the flagship Track 1.5 platform of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, bringing together ministers, policymakers, academics and industry leaders to discuss key regional issues.

IORA comprises 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners, with a focus on economic cooperation and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean region. Women’s economic empowerment has also been identified as a key cross-cutting priority alongside the blue economy.

The 10th edition of the Dialogue, being held on May 7–8, 2026, in New Delhi, includes sessions focused on maritime security, the blue economy, disaster risk management, climate change and women’s empowerment.