India–Netherlands MoU to Boost Lothal Maritime Heritage Project

Global Collaboration for National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal

India and the Netherlands have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in maritime heritage, museum development, and cultural exchange , with a special focus on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The partnership marks an important step in positioning India’s ancient maritime legacy within a global cultural framework.

National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal

Lothal, located in Gujarat, is one of the most prominent sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation and is widely believed to house one of the world’s earliest dockyards, dating back nearly 4,500 years . The NMHC is being developed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as a world-class cultural complex showcasing India’s long history of seafaring, shipbuilding, overseas trade, coastal communities, and maritime technologies across centuries.

India–Netherlands Maritime Cooperation

The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and David van Weel , Foreign Minister of the Netherlands. Under the agreement, the NMHC will collaborate closely with the National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam , one of the world’s leading maritime museums.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The partnership covers a wide range of cooperation, including:

• Exchange of expertise in museum planning, design, and management

• Support for curation and conservation of maritime artefacts

• Joint research projects and temporary exhibitions

• Cultural and academic exchange programmes

• Adoption of digital and immersive technologies to enhance visitor experience

Why the Netherlands Matters

The Netherlands has a rich maritime history and globally recognised expertise in naval heritage, shipping history, and museum conservation. Its involvement brings international best practices to NMHC while reinforcing long-standing India–Netherlands maritime and trade ties .

What to Note for Exams?

• Lothal is an Indus Valley Civilisation site with an ancient dockyard

• NMHC is being developed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

• The MoU involves collaboration with Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum

• Focus areas include conservation, research, exhibitions, and tourism

Broader Significance

The NMHC is expected to transform Gujarat into a global maritime heritage hub , boost cultural tourism, generate research opportunities, and strengthen India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy .