Women’s Participation in India’s Maritime Sector Surges 340% Since 2020, Says Sonowal

Delivering the keynote address at the high-level forum, Sonowal highlighted the Government’s flagship initiative “Sagar Mein Samman” as a major driver behind the rise in women’s participation in maritime activities.

India's maritime sector has witnessed a dramatic 340 percent increase in women's participation since 2020, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced at the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi, highlighting the Government's growing emphasis on building an inclusive, future-ready maritime workforce.

Addressing ministers, diplomats, policymakers and industry leaders from across the Indian Ocean Region, Sonowal described women's empowerment as a key pillar of India's broader maritime transformation strategy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

The announcement comes as India intensifies efforts to position itself as a major maritime power while simultaneously promoting social inclusion, regional cooperation and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean Region.

"Nari Shakti" Driving India's Maritime Transformation

Delivering the keynote address at the high-level forum, Sonowal highlighted the Government's flagship initiative "Sagar Mein Samman" as a major driver behind the rise in women's participation in maritime activities.

"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," Sonowal said.

He stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India's maritime sector is evolving into a more:

• inclusive

• resilient

• technologically advanced

• future-ready ecosystem

The Minister emphasized that the transformation extends beyond infrastructure and trade to include human capital development and gender inclusion.

Maritime Sector Expanding Beyond Traditional Boundaries

India's maritime sector has undergone rapid transformation in recent years through investments in:

• ports modernisation

• shipping infrastructure

• inland waterways

• coastal connectivity

• logistics systems

• blue economy initiatives

However, Sonowal stressed that the "human element" remains central to India's maritime growth strategy.

He noted that women are increasingly entering areas historically dominated by men, including:

• shipping operations

• port management

• maritime logistics

• marine engineering

• coastal economic activities

• maritime administration

Industry experts say the rise in women's participation reflects broader structural changes within India's transport and logistics sectors.

Indian Ocean Described as "Global Lifeline"

During his address, Sonowal described the Indian Ocean as one of the world's most strategically important regions.

"The Indian Ocean is not just a geographic space, but a global lifeline," he stated.

The Minister highlighted the region's critical role in:

• global trade

• energy transportation

• supply chains

• maritime connectivity

• economic security

Given its strategic importance, Sonowal argued that the region requires stronger international cooperation focused on:

• resilience

• inclusivity

• security

• sustainable development

India Reinforces SAGAR and MAHASAGAR Vision

Sonowal linked India's maritime initiatives to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader regional frameworks, particularly:

• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

• MAHASAGAR

These initiatives are designed to strengthen India's maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean Region through:

• regional cooperation

• maritime security

• economic connectivity

• disaster response

• sustainable blue economy development

Officials say the frameworks aim to position India as a leading regional maritime partner committed to equitable and cooperative growth.

India Chairs Indian Ocean Rim Association for 2025–27

The 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue is being hosted by India in its capacity as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the 2025–27 term.

The forum's theme for this edition is:

"Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World"

The event has brought together:

• ministers

• diplomats

• policymakers

• academics

• industry leaders

• maritime experts

from across the Indian Ocean Region to deliberate on emerging regional challenges and opportunities.

IORA currently comprises:

• 23 member states

• 12 dialogue partners

and focuses on promoting economic cooperation and sustainable development throughout the region.

Women's Empowerment Becomes Cross-Cutting Regional Priority

Under India's chairmanship, IORA has adopted the themes of:

• Innovation

• Openness

• Resilience

• Adaptability

Women's economic empowerment has also been identified as a major cross-cutting priority area within the organisation's agenda.

The emphasis reflects growing recognition that sustainable maritime growth and blue economy development require greater gender inclusion across sectors.

Experts note that maritime industries globally have traditionally faced significant gender disparities, particularly in technical and leadership roles.

India's push to increase women's participation is therefore being viewed as part of a broader effort to modernise and diversify the sector.

Maritime Security and Regional Stability Central to Discussions

In addition to economic and social themes, the conference is also focusing heavily on maritime security challenges.

Sonowal reiterated India's role as a "net security provider" in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the country's involvement in:

• humanitarian assistance

• maritime surveillance

• disaster response operations

• regional capacity building

• maritime safety initiatives

He stressed that modern maritime challenges cannot be addressed by individual countries acting alone.

"No single country can address maritime challenges alone," Sonowal said, calling for collective action grounded in:

• transparency

• cooperation

• international law

• mutual respect

Climate Change and Blue Economy Discussions Feature Prominently

The 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue also includes dedicated sessions on:

• blue economy development

• climate change

• disaster risk management

• sustainable maritime infrastructure

• ocean governance

The Indian Ocean Region remains highly vulnerable to:

• rising sea levels

• extreme weather events

• marine ecosystem degradation

• supply-chain disruptions

Officials say strengthening regional resilience has therefore become an increasingly urgent priority.

Mauritius and Yemen Ministers Join Dialogue

The event also saw participation from senior international leaders including:

• His Excellency Dhananjay Ramful, Foreign Minister of Mauritius

• His Excellency Waleed Mohammed Al-Qadimi, Minister of State of Yemen

Their participation reflects the growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region amid evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics.

India Expanding Maritime Leadership Ambitions

Analysts say India's growing emphasis on maritime cooperation, women's empowerment and regional resilience signals its ambition to emerge as a leading Indo-Pacific maritime power.

Over recent years, India has expanded investments in:

• port-led development

• maritime connectivity

• naval cooperation

• shipping infrastructure

• coastal economic zones

• international maritime diplomacy

The Government increasingly views maritime growth as central to:

• economic expansion

• strategic influence

• trade competitiveness

• regional security

Inclusive Maritime Workforce Seen as Strategic Asset

The sharp rise in women's participation is also being interpreted as part of India's broader workforce transformation agenda.

Experts note that greater diversity within maritime industries can contribute to:

• stronger innovation

• expanded labour participation

• leadership development

• improved workforce resilience

The Government's focus on inclusion is expected to continue shaping policy initiatives in shipping, logistics and blue economy sectors in the coming years.

As the Indian Ocean Region becomes increasingly central to global trade and geopolitics, India appears determined to combine economic growth, strategic influence and social empowerment within its evolving maritime vision.