India–Netherlands Sign MoU on Maritime Heritage Cooperation

India and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 December. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in maritime heritage.

• It marks a significant step towards the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

High-Level Exchange

• The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between:
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
  • Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel

Institutions Involved

• The agreement links:
  • The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and
  • The National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam.

Areas of Cooperation

• Exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices in:
  • Maritime museum design
  • Curation
  • Conservation of maritime heritage.

About NMHC, Lothal

• Envisioned as a world-class institution.
• Will showcase India’s 4,500-year-old maritime legacy.
• Located at Lothal, a prominent site of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced global profile of India’s maritime heritage.
• Promotion of inclusive education and tourism.
• Ensuring affordable access for:
  • Students
  • Local communities
  • Underprivileged groups.