India has extended an invitation to South Korean ship-owners to flag their vessels and invest in various port projects, including the Vadhvan container port in Maharashtra and Deendayal Port in Gujarat. This initiative was highlighted during the visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who concluded a three-day trip to India aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of the 'Shared Vision for Operation of Yard Assisted Growth with Efficiency and Scale' (VOYAGES) agreement, which facilitates collaboration in designing and manufacturing advanced maritime cranes, reducing India's over 90% reliance on China for such equipment. The partnership is timely, as geopolitical tensions have prompted Western shipping companies to diversify their orders towards South Korea. Additionally, India plans to acquire more than 400 vessels valued at ₹2.2 lakh crore (approximately $25 billion), creating opportunities for South Korean investment. The agreement also emphasizes recruiting from India's growing pool of seafarers, which exceeds 320,000, and includes commitments for skill development and energy cooperation between the two nations.