India, Panama Strengthen Maritime Partnership To Boost Global Shipping And Logistics

India and Panama have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation by expanding collaboration in shipping, logistics, port development, maritime security and digital innovation, as both countries look to improve trade links and connectivity.

The agreement was reached during bilateral talks between India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez.

Both sides identified logistics, shipping, maritime security, skill development and digital transformation as the main areas for closer cooperation.

India continues to invest in its maritime sector while Panama remains one of the world’s leading maritime logistics hubs. Both countries said stronger cooperation could help boost trade, investment and supply chain connectivity.

“India and Panama are natural maritime partners. By combining Panama’s strategic logistics strengths with India’s growing maritime capabilities, we can build resilient supply chains, strengthen global connectivity and create new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth,” Sonowal said.

He added that both countries aim to make the partnership an important part of India’s engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean.

The ministers also reaffirmed the long-standing maritime relationship between India and Panama, which dates back to the 19th century, and recognised the contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties.

With India expanding its port infrastructure and Panama serving as one of the world’s leading maritime logistics centres, both countries said closer cooperation and the exchange of best practices could create new opportunities for trade, connectivity and investment across the Americas.

During the meeting, Martínez-Acha outlined four priority areas for future cooperation: maritime security, technical collaboration between India’s Directorate General of Shipping and the Panama Maritime Authority, maritime education and skill development, and digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, smart port logistics and maritime single-window systems.

Sonowal highlighted India’s investments in ports, shipping, inland waterways, logistics, shipbuilding, cruise tourism and green maritime initiatives. He said Panama is India’s natural gateway to Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean and called for better shipping links, stronger logistics partnerships and faster cooperation to boost bilateral trade.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector is undergoing a transformational journey driven by world-class infrastructure, modern logistics, green shipping and digital innovation. Our vision is not merely to build ports, but to build partnerships that connect economies and create shared prosperity. Panama, with its strategic maritime strengths, is a natural partner in this journey, and together we can shape a more resilient, efficient and future-ready global maritime ecosystem,” Sonowal said.

He also proposed speeding up discussions on a bilateral agreement on maritime transportation and port development. The proposal includes expanding cooperation in green ship recycling, seafarer welfare, skill development, port modernisation, warehousing, digital innovation and maritime infrastructure.

Sonowal invited Panama’s Minister of Maritime Affairs to attend India Maritime Week 2026 in New Delhi.

Both countries agreed to continue discussions through stronger institutional partnerships aimed at building a more connected, efficient and sustainable maritime ecosystem.

References: The Hindu Business Line, indiashippingnews