Image for representation purposes only India and Panama have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation by expanding collaboration in shipping, logistics, port development, maritime security and digital innovation, as both countries look to improve trade links and connectivity. The agreement was reached during bilateral talks between India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez. Both sides identified logistics, shipping, maritime security, skill development and digital transformation as the main areas for closer cooperation. India continues to invest in its maritime sector while Panama remains one of the world’s leading maritime logistics hubs. Both countries said stronger cooperation could help boost trade, investment and supply chain connectivity. “India and Panama are natural maritime partners. By combining Panama’s strategic logistics strengths with India’s growing maritime capabilities, we can build resilient supply chains, strengthen global connectivity and create new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth,” Sonowal said. He added that both countries aim to make the partnership an important part of India’s engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean. The ministers also reaffirmed the long-standing maritime relationship between India and Panama, which dates back to the 19th century, and recognised the contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties. With India expanding its port infrastructure and Panama serving as one of the world’s leading maritime logistics centres, both countries said closer cooperation and the exchange of best practices could create new opportunities for trade, connectivity and investment across the Americas. During the meeting, Martínez-Acha outlined four priority areas for future cooperation: maritime security, technical collaboration