Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a packed hall of international shipping experts, startup founders, and policymakers in Mumbai recently. The occasion marked another milestone for the Global Maritime Leaders Conclave, an event that began modestly in the same city back in 2016 and now draws participants from over 85 nations. The energy in the room reflected growing confidence in India’s blue economy ambitions.
Major Projects Kick Off with Multi-Crore Deals
Several high-value initiatives in the shipping domain were launched during the summit. Agreements worth several lakh crore rupees were signed, signalling strong global faith in India’s coastal capabilities. Industry captains, from chief executives of giant shipping lines to innovative startups, joined hands with government leaders to push these ventures forward. Even representatives from small island nations added their voice, underlining the inclusive nature of the gathering.
Vizhinjam Port Becomes India’s Transshipment Powerhouse
One standout achievement this year has been the operational launch of Vizhinjam Port, the country’s first deep-water international transshipment hub. Just weeks ago, the world’s largest container vessel docked there, creating a moment of national pride. Major ports across India handled record cargo volumes in the 2024-25 financial year, setting a new benchmark for efficiency.
Adding to the green credentials, Kandla Port commissioned the nation’s first megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility. Meanwhile, the second phase of the Mumbai Container Terminal at JNPT doubled handling capacity, turning it into India’s largest container port. This expansion owes much to substantial foreign direct investment, with special appreciation extended to partners from Singapore for making it possible.
Next-Gen Reforms Replace Century-Old Laws
India took bold steps this year to modernise its maritime legal framework. Outdated colonial-era shipping regulations gave way to contemporary laws aligned with 21st-century needs. The new Merchant Shipping Act harmonises domestic rules with international conventions, boosting safety standards and easing business operations. Government oversight has been reduced, paving the way for smoother trade flows.
The Coastal Shipping Act focuses on simplifying trade procedures while strengthening supply chain security. It also promotes balanced growth along India’s extensive coastline. A unified “One Nation – One Port Process” standardises procedures across ports, slashing paperwork and delays for operators.
Decade-Long Transformation in Numbers
These reforms build on a decade of consistent progress under the Maritime India Vision. Over 150 fresh initiatives have nearly doubled the capacity of major ports. Vessel turnaround time has plummeted, cruise tourism has gained momentum, and inland waterway cargo movement has surged by more than 700 percent. Operational waterways jumped from three to thirty-two. Net annual surplus from ports has grown nine-fold in ten years.
Indian ports now rank among the most efficient in the developing world, often outperforming developed nations. Average container dwell time stands below three days, and vessel turnaround has halved to just 48 hours. These improvements have elevated India’s position in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index.
Indian Seafarers Power Global Fleets
Human resource strength in the sector tells an equally impressive story. The number of Indian seafarers has more than doubled in the past decade, crossing the three-lakh mark. India now features among the top three nations supplying skilled mariners worldwide. Walk onto any ship on any coast, and chances are high you will meet an Indian crew member keeping global trade afloat.
Blue Economy and Sustainable Growth Take Centre Stage
Looking ahead, the focus remains firmly on sustainable coastal development and green logistics. Port connectivity and coastal industrial clusters are receiving priority attention. Shipbuilding, once a historical strength of ancient India, is being revived with renewed vigour. Evidence from sixth-century paintings near Ajanta caves shows sophisticated three-masted vessel designs that predated similar innovations elsewhere by centuries.
To accelerate domestic shipbuilding, large vessels have been classified as infrastructure assets. This policy shift opens cheaper financing options, lowers interest burdens, and simplifies credit access for builders. The government plans to invest close to 70,000 crore rupees to expand capacity, upgrade shipyards, and develop advanced maritime skills. The move is expected to generate lakhs of jobs for the youth while creating fresh investment avenues for industry players.
Maharashtra Leads with Mega Port Plans
The host state itself exemplifies the national push. Work is underway on the Vadhavan Port project near Mumbai, involving an outlay of 76,000 crore rupees. Nationwide, major port capacity is targeted to quadruple. Greater share in containerised cargo remains a key goal. Full foreign direct investment is permitted in ports and shipping, and public-private partnerships are gathering pace. Incentives under the “Make in India, Make for the World” banner encourage states to attract capital.
Global investors were urged to seize the moment and expand operations in India’s maritime space. The country’s vibrant democracy and dependable policies position it as a steady partner amid uncertain international waters. Initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor aim to redefine trade routes while promoting clean energy and smart logistics.
Call for Inclusive Global Cooperation
Inclusive development forms a core pillar of the strategy. Small island developing states and least developed countries will receive support through technology transfer, training programmes, and infrastructure aid. Collective action is essential to tackle climate change, supply chain disruptions, economic volatility, and maritime security threats.
The Prime Minister concluded by invoking the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established naval strength and secured Arabian Sea trade routes centuries ago. That vision of viewing oceans as gateways of opportunity continues to guide India’s maritime journey today.
Together, stakeholders from across the globe can drive peace, progress, and prosperity toward a sustainable tomorrow. The Mumbai conclave reinforced India’s resolve to lead by example in the blue economy era.
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Meta description: PM Modi highlights India’s maritime sector breakthroughs in 2025, from new ports to green reforms, at the Global Maritime Leaders Conclave.