India is deepening maritime ties with Cyprus and South Korea as part of a broader strategy to expand its shipping and shipbuilding capabilities and strengthen its position in global maritime trade, according to a video analysis published by the Times of India on Saturday.
The report, titled ‘India's Maritime Power Play: Cyprus And South Korea Help Counter Turkey's Influence At Sea’, links the effort to regional geopolitical tensions, including the recent visit of the Turkish naval vessel TCG Büyükada to Karachi amid India-Pakistan tensions, as well as New Delhi's goal of becoming a global shipbuilding hub by 2047.
According to the Times of India, discussions between India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis in Busan, South Korea, on 27 October focused on shipbuilding, port infrastructure, green maritime technologies, ship recycling and investment opportunities.
The Indian government said talks also covered maritime services and ship recycling, while Cyprus reiterated its support for India's efforts to secure European recognition for eligible ship-recycling facilities.
The report said the cooperation could create new opportunities for Indian ship-recycling companies and facilitate their access to European markets, positioning Cyprus as a gateway to the European Union for Indian maritime businesses.
At the same time, India explored possible cooperation in South Korea between Sejin Heavy Industries and Cochin Shipyard, including the production of large ship sections and specialised maritime equipment.
The Times of India said these initiatives form part of India's broader strategy to expand domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthen its role in international shipping.
The report also noted that an Indian maritime delegation visited Cyprus from 28 to 30 September, holding meetings with government officials and business representatives.
Source: Times of India (Times Axis)
