India and Singapore Sign Letter of Intent on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC)

India and Singapore have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) collaboration during the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) on March 25, 2025. The agreement aims to promote maritime digitalization and decarbonization, with both nations working towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and integrating digital solutions in the maritime sector. Additionally, India and the Netherlands discussed leveraging Dutch expertise for cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the Brahmaputra and Barak. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the initiative will enhance sustainability, efficiency, and technological advancements in the maritime sector.

Key Highlights

Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC)

• India and Singapore signed an LoI to collaborate on digital and green shipping projects.
• The initiative aims to reduce GHG emissions and adopt digital maritime solutions.
• Both countries will work on identifying relevant stakeholders and formalizing the agreement through an MoU.

India-Netherlands Maritime Discussion

• India and the Netherlands explored Dutch expertise in managing cargo movement in low-draft rivers like Brahmaputra and Barak.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s Address

• The GDSC will drive innovation and accelerate low-emission technology adoption.
• India’s strength in IT and green fuel production, combined with Singapore’s maritime leadership, will enhance sustainability and efficiency.

Visit to Singapore Cruise Centre

• Sonowal examined Singapore’s cruise infrastructure for insights on replicating similar terminals in Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Engagements with Industry Leaders

• Meetings with Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) and top industry leaders from the Netherlands were held.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India and Singapore Sign Letter of Intent on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC)
Agreement Signed	India and Singapore signed an LoI on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC)
Objective	Promote maritime digitalization and decarbonization
Next Steps	Identify stakeholders, formalize MoU, implement digital and green projects
India-Netherlands	Talks Discussed using Dutch expertise for cargo movement in Brahmaputra and Barak rivers
Minister’s Visit	Sonowal visited Singapore Cruise Centre for insights on cruise tourism infrastructure
Maritime	Industry Meetings Engaged with SCMA and Dutch maritime sector leaders