Amid West Asia tensions, India pushes maritime stability at Singapore meet

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and their ripple effects on global shipping lanes, India on Tuesday underscored the need for coordinated international action to safeguard maritime stability, seafarer welfare and resilient supply chains.

At the sidelines of Singapore Maritime Week 2026, an Indian delegation held a bilateral meeting with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), focusing on maritime safety and disruptions triggered by ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

The delegation — comprising officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Directorate General of Shipping, the High Commission of India to Singapore and the Shipping Corporation of India — highlighted New Delhi’s continued engagement with IMO, including its recent re-election to the Council under Category B.

In the backdrop of rising risks in key sea lanes, both sides reviewed emerging global maritime challenges, with India stressing the urgency of collective efforts to protect seafarers, address humanitarian concerns and ensure the uninterrupted flow of trade. The discussions also centred on strengthening supply chain resilience and advancing sustainable maritime growth.

Separately, the Indian delegation, led by High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule and Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar, visited Tuas Port — one of the world’s largest fully automated container terminals.

Officials said the visit offered critical insights into next-generation port operations, with Tuas showcasing cutting-edge automation, digital integration and smart logistics systems. The exposure is expected to inform India’s ongoing push to modernise its port infrastructure and align with global best practices under its long-term development vision.

Marking its presence at the global maritime gathering, India also inaugurated its pavilion at the event, positioning it as a platform to showcase the country’s expanding maritime capabilities, foster international partnerships and drive conversations around sustainable and future-ready shipping.

The outreach at Singapore comes as India seeks to play a more assertive role in shaping global maritime governance, even as conflict-driven disruptions test the resilience of international trade networks.