Saudi Arabia expresses interest to invest in India’s port projects: Sarbananda Sonowal

A delegation from the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has expressed interest to invest in India’s maritime sector, union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Thursday. Speaking at the sidelines of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026, he said Saudi participation in Vadhavan and Galathea Bay port projects were discussed.

“Saudi Arabia expressed their interest to invest in India’s port projects and in the Maritime Development Fund (MDF),” Sonowal said, adding cooperation in shipbuilding, seafarer training and resilient supply chains is in focus.

“Our talks with Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Bhutan show how India's maritime partnerships are growing across regions,” he said.

India and Belgium are working towards a green shipping corridor and smarter ports. “With Bhutan, we are opening the Brahmaputra as a gateway for our neighbour to reach global markets,” Sonowal said.

An official statement said India’s port capacity has risen from 1,561 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 2,817 MTPA over the past 12 years. Cargo handled has risen from 1,052 MT to 1,668 MT and inland waterways cargo from 29 MT to 218 MT, while median container vessel turnaround has fallen from 35 hours to 23 hours.