Tzitzikostas in New Delhi: Connecting EU ports globally and advancing renewable marine fuels

EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas conducted an official visit to New Delhi to strengthen EU–India ties** across infrastructure, transport, tourism, maritime affairs, and innovation.

Delivering the opening address at the Global Gateway Conference on Maritime Corridors, Tzitzikostas emphasized the strategic importance of maritime connections in supporting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched three years ago at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. He noted that the EU’s Global Gateway initiative focuses on linking European ports with key strategic global hubs while accelerating the adoption of renewable marine fuels.

Speaking as a keynote speaker alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at "Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue," Tzitzikostas outlined five pillars for the EU-India maritime partnership:

Industrial Opportunities** : Leveraging the green transition to drive maritime industry innovation.

Connectivity & Resilience** : Expanding sustainable trade corridors between Europe and Asia.

Maritime Security** : Ensuring safe and protected sea lanes.

Global Standards** : Establishing strong, unified international shipping rules.

Ocean Governance:** Protecting marine biodiversity and fostering sustainable fisheries.

During the visit, Tzitzikostas held bilateral meetings with Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, with whom he officially opened the EU–India aviation dialogue. He also toured Airbus India facilities and met with European port, tourism, and business leaders operating in India.