The EU has proposed forming a joint working group to drive the next phase of this partnership.
India and the EU have reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation in sustainable ship recycling, expressing confidence in the progress made toward including Indian facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR).
On Wednesday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met European Commissioner Jessika Roswall to review the audit and compliance process for Indian ship recycling yards seeking EU recognition.
Sonowal noted that more than 30 Indian yards have applied for EU listing, with six currently undergoing compliance checks. Three facilities have completed all required procedures and are now eligible to apply for inclusion under the EUSRR framework. He emphasised that India has emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling nation, steadily strengthening its position as a global hub for safe and environmentally responsible recycling.
According to UN Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD), India’s share of global ship recycling rose from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025, with 2.99 million gross tons (GT) recycled last year, which is nearly 60 per cent higher than in 2024. The Centre is facilitating EU recognition through transparent audits and inspections, while Indian yards have invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades to meet international standards.
Sonowal added that India aims to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next decade, backed by an $8 billion commitment to support shipbuilding and recycling. Commissioner Roswall welcomed the progress and proposed a joint working group to coordinate the next phase. She stressed the importance of unannounced inspections to ensure compliance and transparency, confirming that the matter will be discussed with EU member states in the autumn session.
Roswall also expressed willingness to visit Indian facilities after consultations, reaffirming that the EU’s approach aligns with the India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions and the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.