India and Sri Lanka Discuss New Maritime Connection: Potential Ferry Route Between Rameswaram and Talaimannar

Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan Minister Anura Karunathilake in Mumbai on Monday to discuss expanding maritime connectivity between the two nations.

Mumbai:

During the India Maritime Week 2025, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal engaged in important discussions with Sri Lanka's Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilake.

The ministers explored opportunities to enhance maritime connections between India and Sri Lanka, with particular focus on establishing a new ferry route connecting Rameswaram and Talaimannar.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways shared details of the meeting on social media platform X, stating: "A bilateral meeting was held between Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon'ble Minister for PS&W and Mr Anura Karunathilake, Hon'ble Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, Sri Lanka, at the India Maritime Week 2025. The discussions focused on enhancing maritime connectivity through the ongoing India-Sri Lanka ferry service and exploring the possibility of launching a new route between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar, further deepening regional cooperation and people-to-people connect."

The proposed ferry route between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar would complement the existing maritime connection between Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) and Kankesanthurai (KKS).

These strategic talks took place during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, an event organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

In his inaugural address at the event, Minister Sonowal emphasized the importance of the maritime sector for India's development vision: "We have come a long way since the earlier editions of this event. It has grown significantly, with participation from over 85 countries... The theme this year, 'Uniting Ocean, One Mission', reflects not only our regional aspirations but also conveys the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. In this spirit, we share knowledge, align our goals, and foster partnerships that benefit all."

Sonowal further highlighted the sector's strategic importance: "The maritime sector stands as one of the strongest pillars of Viksit Bharat. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is setting new benchmarks in this domain... We have significantly increased our cargo handling capacity, and India has undertaken legal reforms to streamline and strengthen the maritime framework... We aspire to be among the top five shipbuilding nations in the world."

India Maritime Week commenced on October 27 and will continue until October 31.