Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity

The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi) is delighted to welcome Dr. Pratap Singh Birthal as Distinguished Fellow, where he will strengthen the agriculture activities of RIS and DAKSHIN’s initiative. Dr. Birthal brings over three decades of exceptional experience in agricultural economics, policy research, and institutional leadership. As the former Director of ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (@IcarNiap) and ICAR National Professor, his work has significantly shaped India’s agricultural policy landscape. His contributions span critical areas including: 🌾 Food demand and supply projections up to 2047 🌱 Climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable resource management 📊 Agricultural diversification, livestock economics, and market reforms 💧 Innovative policy approaches linking water, energy, and agriculture Dr. Birthal has also played a key role in national policymaking, contributing to high-level government committees and working groups, including those of NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) and the National Sample Survey Office. With extensive collaborations with global institutions such as IFPRI (@IFPRI), World Bank, FAO (@FAO), and ICRISAT (@ICRISAT), he brings a strong international perspective to advancing agricultural transformation across developing economies. At RIS, his leadership will strengthen research and policy dialogue on food systems, agricultural trade, climate resilience, and, importantly, South-South cooperation across the Global South. @MEAIndia @GoIStats @SKSharma_World @WorldBankGroup @DakshinNews @AIC_aseanindia @cmec_ris #RIS #DAKSHIN #AgriculturePolicy #GlobalSouth #SouthSouthCooperation #FoodSystems #ClimateResilience #DevelopmentPolicy #AgriculturalEconomics

Join us for the @cmec_ris at RIS, @DakshinNews at RIS, @forum_blue at RIS, @IHCDelhi -Maritime Knowledge Lecture Series on 'Prospects and Imperatives for Shore-based Maritime Professionals ' Date - 15th April, 2026 Venue - Gulmohar Hall, IHC, New Delhi Time - pm @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh @GaurPankhuri

At the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (@cmec_ris) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi ), ASEAN-India Centre at RIS (@AIC_aseanindia ), DAKSHIN at RIS (@DakshinNews ), Forum for Indian Science Diplomacy at RIS (@fisd19) and Department of Biotechnology (@DBTIndia ) -Maritime Knowledge Lecture Series on 'CEZ Development: Biomanufacturing and Circular Economy' Event Highlights: Dr. Shishir Shrotriya (@shishir_sh ), CMEC, RIS, set the stage by highlighting the importance of Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) and Port-led Industrialisation. He brought out integrated ecosystems driven by technology, innovation and sustainable resources to unlock the true potential of port-led development. Dr Vaishali Panjabi, Associate Head (Biomanufacturing), Department of Biotechnology (@DBTIndia), outlined India’s BioE3 framework, focusing on the convergence of Economy, Environment, and Employment. She stressed the shift towards treating oceans as bioresource reservoirs and highlighted initiatives such as biorefineries that transform marine biomass into biofuels, bioplastics, and more while enabling sustainable, circular systems. Dr. Debasis Dash, Institute of Life Sciences, delivered deep scientific insights into marine biomanufacturing. Highlighted opportunities in seaweed, microalgae, and coastal waste, alongside innovations in enzymes and aquaculture probiotics. He emphasised the need for localised processing, circular bioeconomy models, and reducing import dependence in biochemicals for realising the full potential of the Blue Economy. Dr. Rajkumar Halder, Founder & CEO, Ruhvenile Biomedical (@RuhvenileB), an innovator, brought an industry lens, focusing on the commercialisation gaps. Identified challenges in scaling innovations beyond TRL-7 due to funding, regulatory hurdles, and supply chain issues. Advocated for stronger validation systems, startup support, and building trust in indigenous biotech solutions. Dr. Amit Kumar (@AmitK_PhD ), Forum for Indian Science Diplomacy (@fisd19) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi ), explored the future of biomanufacturing through synthetic biology and AI. Urged faster adoption of emerging technologies and stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure India remains globally competitive in next-generation bio-industries. Key Takeaways: A coordinated push across policy, science, and industry is essential to transform CEZs into hubs of sustainable, innovation-driven growth, powering India’s blue economy and Maritime Vision 2047. Seafronts leasing mechanism to be adopted quickly to undertake mechanised mass scale sea-weed farming colcated with ports and processing zones. @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @Indportsassn @dgshipping_IN @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh

At the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity at Research (@cmec_ris) and Research Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi) seminar on Smart Ports and Resilient Maritime Corridors-Drivers of Growth Session 2: 'Green Ports and Operations' highlighted key priorities: Chaired by Cmde Sujeet Samaddar (@sujeetsamaddar), NM (Retd.), Visiting Fellow, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi), the session emphasised that real-time monitoring and predictive systems can improve logistics efficiency and reduce emissions. Technologies like predictive maintenance, AI, and IoT widely used in aviation, remain underutilised in ports and shipping. The need to upgrade existing VTMS into advanced, data-driven platforms with real-time monitoring and predictive capabilities. Shri Sushil Kumar Singh (Sushil Kumar Singh), Deendayal Port Authority (@Deendayal_Port), Kandla, highlighted the International Maritime Organisation 2023 GHG Reduction Strategy targets-20% reduction (aiming 30%) by 2030, 70% (aiming 80%) by 2040, and net zero by 2050-emphasising the need for mid-term measures, including a net-zero framework with compliance rules. Cmde Debesh Lahiri (Retd.), Advisor, NCoEGPS, TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute(@teriin), noted that the maritime sector is now gaining due importance in India after years of “maritime blindness,” despite strong historical roots since the arrival of Vasco da Gama. Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit (@susanta35), Chairman, V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority (@vocpa_tuticorin), highlighted strong operational efficiency with an operating ratio of around 30%, the capability to handle specialised cargo such as windmill blades up to 90 metres, and robust multimodal connectivity via highways and nearby airports. He also emphasised scaling renewable energy integration towards 100% and beyond carbon neutrality in port operations. Shri Ankur Malyan, Manager, Rocky Mountain Institute, New Delhi, noted that domestic demand in sectors like fertilisers, refineries, and steel is price-sensitive, with early growth likely driven by export markets willing to pay a premium. He highlighted the significance of international corridors such as the Rotterdam–Singapore route, with Indian ports like VOC emerging as potential bunkering and export hubs, and acknowledged that green fuels, though currently expensive, may become competitive with policy support and global frameworks Mr Sudheer Kumar M, Executive V.P.,@JaksonGreen Institute, emphasised water management in green ports in the context of World Water Day, noting high water demand for vessel operations, refuelling, onboard use, maintenance, firefighting, and nearby townships, along with significant wastewater generation from sewage, industrial activity, and grey water. Overall, the seminar highlighted that achieving smart, green, and resilient maritime corridors will require a combination of technological innovation, institutional coordination, and policy alignment, ensuring that India’s maritime sector remains competitive, sustainable, and well-integrated into global trade networks. @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh @dgshipping_IN @Indportsassn

@cmec_ris seminar on Smart Ports and Resilient Maritime Corridors: Drivers of Growth brought together policymakers and experts to deliberate on the development of India’s smart ports and maritime corridors. In his welcome remarks, Prof. Sachin Kumar Sharma (@SKSharma_World ), Director General @RIS_NewDelhi, highlighted that high logistics costs remain a major challenge in international trade, directly impacting global competitiveness. He emphasised that reducing these costs is key to improving trade efficiency. In his keynote address, Shri T K Ramachandran, Former Secretary, MoPSW, emphasised that the green transition is now imperative, with energy at the core of strategic thinking. He underlined the need to accelerate the shift towards smart, green, and seamlessly connected ports. Dr Sheshadri Chari (@seshadrichari), Member Governing Council and General Body @RIS_NewDelhi, in his special address, pointed to gaps in port automation, energy resilience, shipbuilding, and maritime insurance, calling for actionable policy reforms and deeper industry dialogue to unlock India’s maritime potential. Dr Shishir Shrotriya (@shishir_sh), @cmec_ris, enumerated the imperatives for Ports and corridors in terms of technology adoption, which could lead to smart, green and resilient integration. He also thanked everyone for joining this important discussion. @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @Indportsassn @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh @dgshipping_IN @IWAI_ShipMin @ship @lloydsregister @Deendayal_Port @teriin @vocpa_tuticorin @jmbaxigroup @RailMinIndia @iift1963 @afaq1612

At the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity at Research (@cmec_ris) and Research Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi) seminar on Smart Ports and Resilient Maritime Corridors-Drivers of Growth Session 3: 'Digital Ports and Digital Corridors' highlighted key priorities: Chaired by Dr. Shishir Shrotriya (@shishir_sh ), Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity, Research (@cmec_ris) and Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi ), the session emphasised that automation and data driven approach are foundational for efficiency and productivity. Systems approach to integration and Digital tools like electronic Bills of Lading (e-BL) and virtual corridors such as MAITRI were highlighted as key enablers of trade facilitation, transparency, and resilient connectivity. Dr. Surender Kumar Ahirwar, Executive Director, Traffic Commercial, Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) , outlined two major initiatives shaping India’s logistics ecosystem: ULIP, an API-based data integration platform, and PM Gati Shakti NMP, a GIS-based infrastructure planning tool with extensive data layers. Shri Manoranjan Gupta, Chief Product Officer, Portal, Portall Infosystems by JM Baxi Group (@jmbaxigroup), noted that initiatives like MAITRI and IMEC enable real-time system interaction and coordination across the maritime ecosystem, though adoption remains uneven, particularly among non-major ports, highlighting the need to mandate platforms like the Maritime Single Window and National Logistics Portal. Shri Abhay Shukla, CEO, AITransmute SOLUTIONS (@AITransmute) – MAITRI Software, emphasised interoperability across platforms to enable seamless functioning of port systems, logistics platforms, and national data layers. He highlighted how AI-driven integration through systems like MAITRI has reduced data processing time, though issues like gate congestion persist due to coordination gaps. Mr Lingraj Mahanand, CEO & Founder, Credore™️, highlighted that digital transformation in cross-border trade depends on secure and legally valid document exchange, such as e-BLs, noting that despite clear benefits, global adoption remains low with limited digitisation and acceptance of negotiable digital instruments. The session concluded with Dr Shishir Shrotriya, CMEC, RIS, highlighting the need for implementing use cases with technology adoption and creating homegrown data and Intelligence Layers for the Ports and Transport Networks, which can facilitate faster digitalisation and smart transformation. @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh @dgshipping_IN @Indportsassn @jaswantskainjnu

At the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity at Research (@cmec_ris) and Research Information System for Developing Countries (@RIS_NewDelhi ) seminar on Smart Ports and Resilient Maritime Corridors-Drivers of Growth Session 1: Role of 'Resilient Maritime Corridors' brought forward key insights: Chaired by Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Member-Adjudicatory Board for Major Ports and Former Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india ) (India), emphasised the need to shift port performance metrics beyond turnaround time toward supply chain-based indicators such as reliability, integration, and continuity. Shri Ambrish Bansal, SVP, @lloydsregister, highlighted digital transformation as central to resilience, noting the development of tools like the Digital Maturity Index to assess and enhance the digital readiness of ports and maritime stakeholders. Prof Dipankar Sinha, IIFT Institute Kolkata (@iift1963), pointed out operational challenges, including delays in terminal operating systems (TOS) and uneven adoption, stressing the need to break port processes into stages: ship arrival, berth allocation, and cargo handling and improve each using data and predictive tools. Prof Prabir De(@Prabir_India ) at @cmec_ris, underlined that existing regional trade agreements lack safeguards to handle disruptions, which increase costs, delay deliveries, and weaken integration into global value chains. Mr. Afaq Hussain(@afaq1612 ), Director, Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), emphasised that initiatives like IMEC have emerged in response, aiming to provide alternative connectivity options. The session concluded with valuable insights from industry leaders, underscoring the importance of digitalisation, policy coherence, and operational efficiency in building resilient maritime corridors. It highlighted the need for integrated, data-driven approaches to enhance reliability, reduce disruptions, and strengthen global trade connectivity. @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh @dgshipping_IN @Indportsassn

Join us for the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity at RIS (@cmec_ris), ASEAN-India Centre at RIS (@AIC_aseanindia), DAKSHIN at RIS (@DakshinNews), Forum for Indian Science Diplomacy at RIS (@fisd19) and Department of Biotechnology (@DBTIndia) -Maritime Knowledge Lecture Series on CEZ Development: Biomanufacturing and Circular Economy Date - 25th March, 2026 Venue - Gulmohar Hall, IHC, New Delhi Time - 7 pm @sarbanandsonwal @shipmin_india @Indportsassn @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh @PV_Chat @TheAtulKaushik @AmitK_PhD

#𝗪𝗧𝗗𝗥2026 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗜 𝗥𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 2026 @RIS_NewDelhi is pleased to announce the launch of 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 2026, its flagship publication providing analytical insights and policy perspectives on key global trade issues. Deeply honoured and privileged to have highly distinguished speakers addressing and congratulating us at the launch of the #WTDR2026 Report. Since 2003, this RIS has published this report ahead of major WTO Ministerial Conferences, focusing on the priorities and concerns of developing countries. #WTDR2026 situates the key issues before MC14 within a broader development framework, highlighting the need for a secure and predictable, inclusive, fair, and rules-based multilateral trading system. The report draws upon contributions from 39 distinguished trade experts, former negotiators, academics, and scholars and researchers. It is also shaped by an extensive consultative process, including 12 Brainstorming sessions that engaged more than 100 experts, diplomats, and trade practitioners. These discussions bridge research and policy, ensuring that the report reflects both the realities of trade negotiations and broader development priorities. @dravirmani @NITIAayog @SudhakarDalela @MEAIndia @DoC_GoI @IndiaWTO @wto @aparnaray_ifs @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @TheAtulKaushik @Abhijit_trade @sabya_saha @pdash76 @PV_Chat @AmitK_PhD @susheco @SuvayanNeogi @CWS_iift @GaurPankhuri @RenuuMann @__ayussh__ @Vaasu_Agg @LakhianiRiddhi @JindalGLS @JindalLaw @JindalGlobalUNI @AIC_aseanindia @DakshinNews @cmec_ris @fitm14 @fisd19 #WTDR2026 #GlobalTrade #WTO #MC14 #MinisterialConference #InternationalTrade #TradeAndDevelopment

Join us for the @cmec_ris seminar on 'Smart Ports and Resilient Maritime Corridors: Drivers of Growth' Date: Monday, 23 March 2026 Venue: Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. Time : 11.00 to 17.30 hrs (IST) @sarbanandsonwal @shipmin_india @Indportsassn @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @shishir_sh

RIS participated in the Korea–India Forum panel on ‘Navigating the Present and Future of India’s Shipbuilding Industry: Pathways for Korea–India Cooperation’ organised by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP). Commodore @sujeetsamaddar, Visiting Fellow, RIS presented on ‘Shipbuilding: A Global Overview and Proposed National Shipbuilding Strategy’. Dr. Jaswant Kain (@jaswantskainjnu), Consultant, RIS and Ms. Anushka Tripathi, Research Assistant, RIS, joined the session and engaged with key stakeholders. The discussions provided a platform for dialogue, fostering deeper collaboration and strengthening partnerships for the future of the shipbuilding sector. @MEAIndia @RokEmbIndia @IndiainROK @shipmin_india @SKSharma_World @aparnaray_ifs @cmec_ris @DakshinNews @AIC_aseanindia #IndiaKorea #IndiaKoreaRelations #GlobalSouth #RIS #KIEP #SSC #DevelopmentCooperation #EconomicPolicy #SouthSouthCooperation #ResearchCollaboration

At the @cmec_ris & @AIC_aseanindia -Maritime Knowledge Lecture Series on, ASEAN - India Maritime Security Cooperation: The Case of Singapore and Vietnam. @SKSharma_World, Director General @RIS_NewDelhi, set the tone for deeper India-ASEAN maritime cooperation, especially with Singapore & Vietnam, towards a stable, secure & rules-based Indo-Pacific. @chintamani36, Founder & Honorary Chairperson of Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, noted that 2026 has been declared the Year of ASEAN–India Maritime Cooperation, placing maritime ties at the forefront of bilateral engagement Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, Director General, @nmfindia, emphasised India’s vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047, anchored in people’s well-being. Through MAHASAGAR, India links its growth, prosperity and security of its neighbourhood. He also noted that security today extends beyond the military to economic and other strategic maritime domains. The future lies in cooperation at sea, space and even cyberspace, and India must lead these frontiers In the closing remarks, @shishir_sh, Coordinator @cmec_ris, highlighted the importance of regional alliances, increasing India–ASEAN maritime trade, operationalising near-coastal shipping, leveraging digital ocean forecasting capabilities, strengthening the global seafarer workforce’s skills, and advancing maritime cooperation across ports and Technology frontiers. @shipmin_india @sarbanandsonwal @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World @indiatoasean @PV_Chat @Prabir_India @sujeetsamaddar @Indportsassn

Join us for the @cmec_ris & @AIC_aseanindia -Maritime Knowledge Lecture Series Date - 24th February, 2026 Venue - Gulmohar Hall, IHC, New Delhi Time - 7 pm @sarbanandsonwal @shipmin_india @RIS_NewDelhi @SKSharma_World

🌐 India–AI Impact Summit 2026 | Panel Discussion It's a matter of pride for Research and Information System for Developing Countries @RIS_NewDelhi to be the Knowledge Partner at #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 and to host three events at Bharat Mandapam. Inaugurating the panel discussion, DG, RIS, Prof. Sachin Kumar Sharma @SKSharma_World reflected that as AI transforms education, industry, healthcare, and society, we have a powerful opportunity to build systems that are safe, trusted, inclusive, and locally relevant. Prof. Sharma added that the future isn’t AI vs. no AI, it’s responsible governance, strong AI literacy, and innovation guided by People, Planet, and Progress. @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @GoI_MeitY @OfficialINDIAai @AshwiniVaishnaw @jitinprasada @aparnaray_ifs @PrinSciAdvGoI @SecretaryMEITY @abhish18 @kavitabha @_DigitalIndia @mygovindia @PIB_India @RIS_NewDelhi @NITIAayog @UN @UNOSSC @UNinIndia @OECD @UNESCO @GVRayasam @CSIR_NIScPR @CSIR_IND @Titipol @KRavisrinivas @NALSAR_Official @cerai_iitm @iitmadras @AmityUni @Mathur_Roli @ICMRDELHI @NLUDofficial @IndiaSTS @JNU_official_50 @PV_Chat @AmitK_PhD @skvdst @Sinha_Sneha7 @DakshinNews @AIC_aseanindia @fisd19 @fitm14 @cmec_ris #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 #GlobalAISummit #GlobalSouth #SafeAndTrustedAI #AIForALL #ResponsibleAI #PeoplePlanetProgress #AIEthics #AIGovernance