National Maritime Heritage Complex (Indian History, Art and Culture)
National Maritime Heritage Complex (Indian History, Art and Culture)
Context:
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy, India and Italy issued a joint statement after bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Brief About the Joint Statement
Cooperation Against Terrorism
India and Italy strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
Both countries specifically condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
They reaffirmed cooperation against terrorist financing and UN-designated terrorist groups under the UNSC 1267 sanctions regime.
Focus on Technology and Innovation
India and Italy announced the establishment of INNOVIT India, an innovation hub aimed at strengthening cooperation between the startup and innovation ecosystems of both countries.
Key sectors identified for collaboration include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, Semiconductors etc.
Focus on India–Italy Cooperation
The joint statement highlighted cooperation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in India.
Italy agreed to collaborate with India in the fields of maritime heritage conservation, museum development and cultural exchange.
About the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is being developed at Lothal in Gujarat, which was an important port city of the Indus Valley Civilization.
The project is envisioned as one of the world’s largest maritime heritage complexes.
It aims to showcase and integrate India’s ancient, medieval and modern maritime legacy through museums, research centres and tourism infrastructure.
Historical Importance of Lothal
Lothal dates back to around 2400 BCE and wasa major trading centre of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Archaeological excavations revealed the world’s oldest known artificial dockyard connected to the Sabarmati River system.
The site also contains warehouses, drainage systems, bead factories and evidence of maritime trade with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia.
Lothal reflects India’s advanced maritime trade networks and urban planning traditions in ancient times.
Key Features of NMHC
The project will include a maritime museum with multiple galleries showcasing India’s maritime history and naval heritage.
It will recreate the ancient Lothal city along with an open aquatic gallery and jetty walkway for immersive visitor experiences.
The complex will also feature a lighthouse museum, coastal state pavilions and a maritime research institute with hostel facilities.
Eco-resorts, Museuotel and maritime as well as climate change theme parks will also be developed under the project.
The NMHC aims to combine education, tourism and interactive learning related to India’s maritime legacy.
Implementation
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has appointed the Indian Ports Association as the nodal agency for the project.
The Government of Gujarat has allocated around 400 acres of land for the development of the complex.