Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Mumbai, Oct 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted the rapid transformation of India’s maritime sector, calling it one of the key drivers of the nation’s growth and global standing. Addressing the Global Maritime CEO Forum, the flagship event of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, he said India has become a symbol of strategic autonomy, stability, and inclusive development amid global trade disruptions.

“When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India is well poised to play that role with strength and stability,” said PM Modi, urging global investors to seize the “right time” to invest in India’s shipping and port sectors.

He noted that the government’s efforts over the past decade have modernized port infrastructure, streamlined logistics, and replaced “century-old colonial shipping laws” with modern frameworks aligned with 21st-century needs.

“We have enacted futuristic maritime laws that empower state maritime boards, enhance safety and sustainability, and promote digitalization in port management,” Modi said.

Maritime Milestones in 2025

Calling 2025 a “landmark year” for India’s maritime industry, the Prime Minister listed several major achievements:

• Vizhinjam Port, India’s first deep-water international transshipment hub, became operational this year.
• The world’s largest container vessel docked at Vizhinjam, marking India’s growing global maritime stature.
• India’s major ports recorded record-breaking cargo throughput in FY 2024–25, setting new benchmarks in efficiency.
• Kandla Port launched the country’s first megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility, advancing India’s clean energy goals.

PM Modi also announced that large ships have now been granted infrastructure status, helping accelerate shipbuilding and allied sectors.

Expanding Capacity and Workforce

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress under the Maritime India Vision, which includes over 150 initiatives to modernize infrastructure and promote sustainability.

“The capacity of major ports has doubled, turnaround times have dropped sharply, and the net annual surplus of ports has increased ninefold in the last decade,” he said.

He also emphasized the country’s growing role in the global seafaring workforce.

“The number of Indian seafarers has risen from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh in the past ten years, placing India among the top three countries in the world,” he noted.

Boost to Tourism and Inland Waterways

PM Modi further said that cruise tourism and inland waterways have seen a historic surge. Cargo movement through waterways has grown by over 700 per cent, and the number of operational waterways has expanded from 3 to 32.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that India’s maritime growth represents “the spirit of a confident nation steering its own course.”

“The world’s faith in India’s maritime capabilities is stronger than ever,” he said. “Together, we will ensure that India becomes a global hub for maritime innovation, sustainability, and prosperity.”