Indian and European Union leaders have reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation on sustainable ship recycling, with both sides expressing confidence in the progress being made towards the inclusion of Indian ship recycling facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR).

The talks between Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and European Commissioner for environment Jessika Roswall covered the current audit and compliance procedure for Indian yards to become a part of EU. There are over 30 ship recycling yards (SRY) in India that have sought EU recognition and six of them are in the process of meeting compliance and approval. Three facilities have gone through all procedures and are now eligible to apply for inclusion under EUSRR framework.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has emerged as the world's leading ship recycling hub and is rapidly becoming a global leader in safe, environmentally sustainable and responsible ship recycling, Sonowal said while speaking to a leading media outlet.

India's contribution to the global ship recycling rose from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025, according to the latest estimates by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD0029. Nearly 60% more ships were recycled in 2025 than in 2024 – 2.99 million gross tonnes compared to 1.86 million gross tonnes.

Indian facilities have invested significantly in meeting international standards, creating infrastructure and operational upgrades including effluent treatment plants, scientific waste management systems, multi-speciality healthcare facilities supported by the Red Cross Society and dedicated worker housing, Sonowal said. The government also conducts periodic and unannounced inspections to check environmental compliance and worker safety as well. International growth of known Indian recycling centres would play a big part in the global circular economy and also generate employment and give a boost to the maritime sustainability, he added. India has set its sights on recycling almost 16,000 vessels in the next decade with an investment of USD 8 billion.

Commissioner Roswall commented on the progress made and suggested the formation of a Joint Working Group to coordinate the next steps in the process. She also expressed her willingness to visit ship recycling facilities in India after the assessment process is completed, reiterating that the EU's approach is aligned with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.