India and the Netherlands have formalized their commitment to maritime heritage preservation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement is poised to significantly bolster the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel.

The core of this MoU is the establishment of institutional cooperation between the NMHC, which is being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam. This collaboration aims to foster the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in crucial areas such as maritime museum design, curation, and conservation. The partnership also envisions joint exhibitions, collaborative research projects, and cultural exchange programs. Furthermore, both sides will explore innovative methods to improve visitor experience, education, and public outreach.

The NMHC at Lothal is envisioned as a world-class heritage destination that will showcase India's extensive maritime tradition, spanning nearly 4,500 years. The collaboration with the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam is expected to strengthen the project's global profile and promote inclusive education and tourism. It also aims to ensure affordable access for students, local communities, and underprivileged groups.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed the agreement, emphasizing that this partnership would help showcase India's maritime legacy to a global audience. He also noted that the collaboration would bring global expertise in museum design, conservation, and curation while reinforcing the cultural ties between India and the Netherlands. Sonowal added that this initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of blending heritage with innovation to promote education, tourism, and people-to-people engagement.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment to preserving and promoting maritime heritage and deepening cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. During the bilateral meeting, the ministers also discussed expanding ongoing cooperation in the maritime and shipping sectors. This includes green shipping initiatives, port development, and shipbuilding. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways anticipates close cooperation to effectively implement the provisions outlined in the agreement.