India and Japan agree to deepen maritime ties, discuss Smart Islands in Andaman and Lakshadweep
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Japan's Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi agreed in Oslo on 2 June 2025 to deepen maritime relations, including Smart Island plans for Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
Summary
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held bilateral talks with Japan's Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Terada Yoshimichi, in Oslo on 2 June 2025. The two sides discussed investment by Japanese shipyards, port digitisation and green ports, R&D cooperation, upskilling and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan. They also discussed using sustainable technologies, disaster-resilient infrastructure and better connectivity to develop the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands as Smart Islands, drawing on Japan's expertise in island territories.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 2 Jun 2025, Oslo
- India
- Sarbananda Sonowal
- Japan
- Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi (MLIT)
- Topics
- Shipyard investment, green ports, seafarer employment, R&D
- Smart Islands
- Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Which Indian island territories did India and Japan discuss developing as Smart Islands during talks in Oslo on 2 June 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep
Sarbananda Sonowal and Terada Yoshimichi discussed converting the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into Smart Islands, drawing on Japan's expertise in island territories.