PM Modi Unveils India’s Maritime Vision at Global Maritime Leaders Conclave 2025

India Maritime Week 2025 Latest News

• PM Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. 
• He welcomed participants from over 85 countries, noting the event’s evolution from a national forum in 2016 to a global summit. 

India’s Maritime Strength and Economic Potential

• India’s 11,000 km-long coastline and 13 coastal states and Union Territories contribute nearly 60% of the national GDP. 
• The nation’s 23.7 lakh sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) attracts global investors, supporting 800 million residents in maritime regions.
• The 38 countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) account for about 12% of global exports.

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India Maritime Week 2025 – A Global Maritime Showcase

• India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, held recently in Mumbai, is India’s premier global maritime event under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision.”
• The event aims to showcase India’s roadmap to becoming a global maritime hub and a leader in the Blue Economy.
• This was the fourth edition of the summit. In 2016, the maiden India Maritime Week was held in Mumbai itself. Now, it has become a global summit. 
• It served as a global convergence point for shipping, ports, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and blue economy finance, driving collaboration for a sustainable maritime future.

PM Modi’s Address at India Maritime Week 2025: Key Highlights

• PM Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
• During his address he highlighted India’s maritime transformation, global partnerships, and future ambitions for the blue economy.
• Several MoUs worth lakhs of crores were signed, reflecting global confidence in India’s maritime capabilities.

India’s Vision for its Maritime Transformation

• India is committed to transform its maritime sector through the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• This long-term vision rests on four strategic pillars:
  • Port-led development
  • Shipping and shipbuilding
  • Seamless logistics
  • Maritime skill-building
• The goal is to position India as a leading global maritime power.

Major Achievements in India’s Maritime Sector (2024–25)

• Vizhinjam Port, India’s first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, became operational, hosting the world’s largest container vessel.
• Kandla Port launched India’s first megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility.
• JNPT doubled its capacity with the start of Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal, marking the largest FDI in India’s port infrastructure.
• India’s major ports handled record cargo volumes, showcasing unprecedented efficiency.

Next-Generation Reforms in Maritime Governance

• Outdated colonial-era shipping laws replaced with modern legislation empowering State Maritime Boards, promoting digitization, and enhancing safety and sustainability.
• The new Merchant Shipping Act aligns Indian regulations with global conventions, improving trust, ease of business, and investment climate.
• The Coastal Shipping Act simplifies trade, ensures supply chain security, and promotes balanced coastal development.
• Introduction of One Nation, One Port Process to standardize port procedures and reduce documentation.

Decade of Transformation under Maritime India Vision

• Over 150 new initiatives launched under the Maritime India Vision.
• Major ports’ capacity doubled, turnaround time reduced, and cruise tourism expanded.
• Inland waterway cargo movement rose by 700%, and operational waterways increased from 3 to 32.
• The net annual surplus of ports grew ninefold in ten years.

Efficiency and Global Recognition

• Indian ports now rank among the most efficient in the developing world, outperforming many in the developed world.
• Container dwell time reduced to under 3 days, and vessel turnaround time cut from 96 to 48 hours.
• India improved its position in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
• The number of Indian seafarers increased from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh, making India one of the top three seafaring nations globally.

Focus on Blue Economy and Green Growth

• Emphasis on Blue Economy, sustainable coastal development, green logistics, and coastal industrial clusters.
• Government prioritizing shipbuilding as a national growth driver, with a ₹70,000 crore investment to boost shipyard capacity, greenfield/brownfield projects, and maritime employment.
• Large ships have been granted infrastructure asset status, enabling easier financing and reduced interest costs.

Visionary Maritime Heritage and New Port Projects

• PM Modi recalled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s maritime legacy, emphasizing that seas should be seen as gateways to opportunity.
• Announced construction of a new mega port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, part of India’s effort to quadruple port capacity and increase containerized cargo share.

Global Cooperation and Strategic Role of India

• India aims to strengthen global supply chain resilience and become a “steady lighthouse” amid global uncertainty.
• Highlighted India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor as a project redefining trade routes and promoting clean energy logistics.
• Reaffirmed India’s commitment to empowering Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries through technology, training, and infrastructure.

Source: TH | PIB | IE