Pratik Bijlani –
The Maritime Leaders’ Conclave, the flagship event of India Maritime Week 2025, stood as a testament to India’s growing maritime ambition and global leadership. Held at Mumbai, the conclave was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, and attended by an impressive gathering of policymakers, global CEOs, and dignitaries from over 85 countries. With more than 350 international speakers and over 1,00,000 delegates, the conclave embodied the theme, “Integration of Oceans — A Maritime Vision,” signifying India’s determination to unite the global maritime community under a common vision of progress and sustainability.
In his inspiring address, Prime Minister Modi declared, “In this era of the 21st century, India’s maritime sector is progressing with great speed and energy.” He emphasized that India’s maritime transformation over the past decade has been nothing short of historic, with port capacities doubling, cargo volumes surging by nearly 50%, and inland waterway cargo growing eightfold. He celebrated India’s emergence as a major seafaring nation, where the number of Indian seafarers has risen from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh, placing India among the top three in the world.
The Prime Minister noted that the coming era will be defined by the “Maritime Amrit Kaal” — a phase of innovation, investment, and inclusive growth — as India reclaims its ancient maritime glory and positions itself as a global maritime power by 2047.
The event began with a warm and eloquent welcome address by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who praised the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership in driving the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. He noted that under Modi’s guidance, India has witnessed a dramatic rise in global maritime standing, driven by landmark infrastructure projects, policy reforms, and new investments. Highlighting the Prime Minister’s transformative initiatives — from the ₹70,000 crore shipbuilding package to the development of India’s first mega port at Vadhavan — he stated that India is now evolving from a ship-using nation to a ship-making nation.
Mr Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, also addressed the gathering, lauding the government’s strategic focus on maritime growth. “India’s maritime business has found a new direction — the exponential growth we are witnessing is truly unprecedented,” he remarked. Maharashtra, he added, remains a crucial anchor in this progress, with major infrastructure developments such as the Vadhavan Port project, cruise terminal expansions, and industrial cluster initiatives enhancing the state’s global competitiveness.
The conclave witnessed a series of landmark announcements and launches dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister, including the Shipping Corporation of India’s Long-Term Business Plan 2047, the Oil and Gas PSU Vessel Acquisition Plan 2035, and the Domestic Green Tug Programme. Major investment MoUs worth ₹12 lakh crore were signed, signalling the confidence of global investors in India’s maritime future. These initiatives, alongside the Dredging Corporation’s 10-Year Strategic Fleet Plan, will collectively lead to the acquisition of 437 vessels, catalyzing shipbuilding, job creation, and sustainability in the sector.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the recent milestones in India’s maritime resurgence — the operationalization of the Vizhinjam Port as India’s first deep-water international transshipment hub, the launch of Phase 2 of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal at JNPT, and the establishment of a green hydrogen facility at Kandla Port. He stressed that modern legislation, replacing outdated colonial laws, has made the sector more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi called upon global maritime leaders to join hands with India in shaping a sustainable and interconnected maritime future. With the participation of small island nations, international investors, and leading shipping corporations, India Maritime Week 2025 truly embodied its spirit of unity — connecting oceans, industries, and nations under one shared vision of progress.
As the curtains fell on the day’s proceedings, it was clear that India is not just navigating the seas — it is charting a new course for the world’s maritime future.
Marex Media