On December 20, 2025, the Government of India (GoI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands, aimed at enhancing cooperation on maritime heritage. This agreement supports the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways’ (MoPSW) Sagarmala Programme, located in Lothal, Gujarat.
The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and David van Weel, the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, in New Delhi, Delhi.
The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam will serve as the knowledge partner under this agreement. Both nations will share their expertise and best practices in museum design, conservation, and curation.
The MoU aims to explore innovative methods to improve visitor experience, education, and public outreach at the NMHC, thereby creating a more engaging environment for learning about maritime heritage.
The NMHC is a flagship cultural and heritage project of the GoI, launched in 2022. It is being developed in Lothal to showcase India’s rich 4,500-year-old maritime history and its long-standing connection with the seas.
This complex aims to preserve and present India’s maritime traditions, trade routes, and shipbuilding skills, while promoting heritage tourism and raising coastal cultural awareness. It will also serve as a center for education, research, and public outreach.
The NMHC will feature various components, including:
Q1. What is the purpose of the MoU between India and the Netherlands?
Answer: The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation on maritime heritage, facilitating knowledge sharing in museum design, conservation, and public outreach initiatives.
Q2. Where is the National Maritime Heritage Complex located?
Answer: The NMHC is being developed in Lothal, Gujarat, showcasing India's extensive maritime history and cultural heritage.
Q3. Who are the key partners involved in the MoU?
Answer: The key partners are the Government of India and the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, which will provide expertise and knowledge.
Q4. What are some features of the National Maritime Heritage Complex?
Answer: The NMHC will include maritime museums, galleries, interactive exhibits, and educational facilities aimed at heritage tourism.
Q5. When was the MoU signed?
Answer: The MoU was signed on December 20, 2025, during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi.
Question 1: What does the MoU between India and the Netherlands focus on?
A) Economic cooperation
B) Maritime heritage
C) Environmental protection
D) Defense collaboration
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Where is the National Maritime Heritage Complex being developed?
A) Mumbai
B) Lothal
C) Kolkata
D) Chennai
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who represented India in the signing of the MoU?
A) Prime Minister
B) Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar
C) President
D) Chief Minister of Gujarat
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the role of the National Maritime Museum in the MoU?
A) Financial partner
B) Knowledge partner
C) Construction partner
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: When was the National Maritime Heritage Complex launched?
A) 2020
B) 2021
C) 2022
D) 2023
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What is one key goal of the NMHC?
A) To promote fashion
B) To enhance tourism
C) To develop technology
D) To increase urbanization
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: Which program supports the NMHC's development?
A) Make in India
B) Digital India
C) Sagarmala Programme
D) Smart Cities Mission
Correct Answer: C
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