India and Panama have charted a new maritime partnership focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple maritime domains. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal held bilateral talks with Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez to deepen maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions identified four key pillars for expanded strategic partnership: maritime security, logistics collaboration, skill development, and digital transformation. Panama was recognized as India's strategic gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, with both countries agreeing that closer collaboration would unlock new opportunities for trade, connectivity, and investment across the Americas.
Minister Martínez-Acha Vásquez outlined four specific priority areas for cooperation: enhanced maritime security measures, technical collaboration between India's Directorate General of Shipping and the Panama Maritime Authority, maritime education and skilling programs, and future-oriented cooperation in digital maritime transformation including artificial intelligence, smart port logistics, and maritime single-window systems.
Minister Sonowal highlighted India's rapid transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi through sustained investments in ports, shipping, inland waterways, logistics, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and green maritime initiatives. He proposed expediting discussions on a bilateral agreement on maritime transportation and port development, expanding cooperation in green ship recycling, strengthening seafarer welfare and skill development, and promoting collaboration in port modernization, warehousing, digital innovation, and maritime infrastructure.
The ministers acknowledged the long-standing maritime relationship between India and Panama dating back to the 19th century and recognized the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties. Minister Sonowal invited Panama's Minister of Maritime Affairs to participate in India Maritime Week 2026 in New Delhi, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions through stronger institutional partnerships.