(a) whether India and European Union are to enter into an agreement in the field of navigation;
(b) if so, whether the modalities have been worked out in this regard;
(c) the names of the ports in the country for which European Union has proposed to offer help for their modernisation;
(d) the number of ports expanded and modernised by the Union Government during the last three years; and
(e) the details of the anchorage facilities provided for the large ships in India?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI DILIPKUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI)
(a) to (c) During the 4th Summit between India and the EU held in New Delhi on 29th November, 2003, it has been agreed to launch the negotiations for an Indo-EU Maritime Agreement covering issues of interest to both sides. Modalities have not yet been worked out.
(d) The expansion and modernisation of 12 major ports, which are under the administrative control of the Central Government, is an on-going process.
(e) Anchorage facilities including drafts vary from port to port. ‘Large Ships’ is a relative term. Hence, it is not possible to indicate in a definitive manner the anchorage facilities provided for the large ships in India. However, the endeavour is to ensure adequate anchorage facilities in the major ports keeping in view the requirements of the trade.