Sagar Mein Samman Initiative | 24 May 2025

Source: PIB  

The Government of India launched the Sagar Mein Samman (SMS) initiative during the International Day for Women in Maritime, to train more women as seafarers, and to power India’s goal of a Global Maritime Powerhouse. 

• The International Day for Women in Maritime, observed annually on 18th May by the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO), promotes gender balance and inclusive growth in the maritime sector.  
• Theme 2025: "An Ocean of Opportunities for Women." 

Sagar Mein Samman: 

• About: It aims to build a gender-equitable maritime workforce by promoting women's inclusion, safety, skill development, leadership, and equal opportunities across maritime operations. 
  • It is aligned with the IMO mission for gender inclusion and broader vision of the UN SDG-5 (gender equality). 
  • It is also aligned with India's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda and Maritime India Vision 2030,, it covers planning, training, research, governance, and outreach.  
• Impact & Targets: India witnessed a 649% rise in women seafarers, from 341 in 2014 to 2,557 in 2024, and nearly 3,000 women received financial assistance.  
  • The initiative sets a target of 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030. 

India’s Key Initiatives in India’s Maritime Sector: 

• Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) 
• Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047