Context:

Recently, India and Vietnam have decided to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat.

More on the news

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Vietnam at Hyderabad House in New Delhi for establishing NMHC, and it will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
• Both countries will work together on the exchange and loan of artifacts, replicas, paintings, archival data, and other antiquities related to their maritime histories.
• The project aims to create an educational and recreational space at the NMHC that utilizes the latest technology.
• Both countries will also collaborate on promoting international tourism focused on maritime heritage, sharing design know-how, and developing a Marine Heritage and Conservation Laboratory.

Lothal SIte

• • The archaeological remains of the Harappan port-town of Lothal is located along the Bhogava river, a tributary of Sabarmati, in the Gulf of Khambat.
• • The excavated site of Lothal is the only port town of the Indus Valley Civilisation. 
• • Lothal was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage list (2014) and Its application is pending in the tentative list of UNESCO.

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has envisioned the development of a National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
• Indian Ports Association is the nodal agency, while Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) is the executing agency of the project.
• The foundation stone of the project was laid by Hon’ble Prime Minister in March 2019 and the project commenced in 2022.
• The NMHC will serve as a hub for cultural exchange, research, and learning, with a strong emphasis on educational programs and exhibitions.
• The Government of Gujarat has allocated 400 acres of land in the Saragwala village for NMHC.
• The maritime complex will feature: 

1. one of the world’s tallest lighthouse museums 
2. The world’s largest open aquatic gallery 
3. India’s grandest naval museum
4. Lothal mini recreation to replicate Harappan architecture and lifestyle
5. 4 Theme-based parks