Delphine Estibeiro –
Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi set out an ambitious blueprint for India’s maritime sector at the India Maritime Week 2025, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai on 29th October. Addressing global leaders, industry executives, and policymakers from over 85 countries, Modi underscored India’s rapid transformation into a maritime powerhouse and called for greater international investment and collaboration.
The Prime Minister highlighted 2025 as a landmark year for India’s shipping and port infrastructure. Among the milestones:
- India’s first deep-water international container transshipment port began operations, welcoming the world’s largest container vessel
- Kandla Port commissioned a mega-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility, a first for the country
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) launched a new container terminal, doubling its handling capacity and making it India’s largest container port
These achievements, Modi noted, were made possible through significant foreign direct investment, with Singapore singled out as a key partner.
Sweeping Reforms and Modern Laws
Mr Modi announced the replacement of colonial-era shipping laws with modern frameworks — the Maritime Shipping Act and the Coastal Shipping Act — designed to align India with global conventions, strengthen safety, and streamline trade. The One Nation, One Port initiative will further simplify port procedures and reduce documentation.
Record Growth and Global Competitiveness
Under the Maritime India Vision, more than 150 initiatives have been launched over the past decade, resulting in:
- A 200% increase in port capacity
- 700% growth in inland waterway cargo movement
- A rise in operational waterways from 3 to 32
- A ninefold increase in port surpluses
India’s ports now boast an average container dwell time of less than three days and vessel turnaround times reduced to 48 hours — benchmarks that rival developed nations.
Human Capital and Seafarer Strength
India’s seafaring workforce has more than doubled in the past decade, from 125,000 to over 300,000, placing the country among the world’s top three in seafarer strength.
Investment and the Blue Economy
Looking ahead, Mr Modi emphasized India’s focus on the blue economy, green logistics, and sustainable coastal development. He announced:
- ₹70,000 crore investment to boost domestic shipbuilding capacity and shipyard development
- Infrastructure asset status for large ships, easing financing and attracting investors
- Development of mega ports worth ₹76,000 crore along India’s coastline
He also reaffirmed India’s openness to 100% FDI in ports and shipping, encouraging global investors to seize opportunities under the Make in India – Make for the World initiative.
India as a Maritime Lighthouse
Framing India as a “lighthouse of stability” amid global trade disruptions, Mr Modi positioned the country as a reliable partner in strengthening supply chains. He cited the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor as a transformative project for global trade, clean energy, and smart logistics.
In conclusion, Mr Modi invoked India’s maritime heritage — from ancient Ajanta cave paintings of ships to the naval vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — as inspiration for reclaiming India’s place as a global maritime leader.
Marex Media