India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, held in Mumbai recently, concluded with a historic achievement: securing a mammoth investment of over Rs12 lakh crore and signing more than 600 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), marking a major milestone in India’s maritime resurgence.
IMW 2025 also witnessed landmark developments as the government of India reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, innovation, security and maritime transformation.
Deliberations by policymakers, thought leaders and maritime experts across port infrastructure, green energy and defence ship-building set the tone as India’s ambition to lead the global maritime transition through technology, collaboration and climate responsibility.
IMW 2025 hosted the Global Maritime CEO Forum and the Maritime Leaders Conclave, bringing together global maritime leaders to discuss sustainable growth, digital transformation and green shipping. Over 85 countries participated, including Sweden, Germany, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and Japan. Global corporations such as Maersk, DP World, MSC, Wartsila and Royal IHC engaged in high-level discussions and pledged investments in India’s maritime sector. T
he event witnessed participation from over 100,000 delegates, more than 500 exhibitors and about 350 international speakers, positioning India as a global hub for maritime investment, innovation and sustainable blue economy leadership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at IMW 2025. Speaking on the occasion, Modi highlighted that participation from over 85 countries sent a strong message. He noted the presence of CEOs of major shipping giants, start-ups, policymakers and innovators, all gathered at the event.
He further acknowledged the attendance of representatives from small island nations and stated that their collective vision had significantly enhanced the synergy and energy of the summit. Noting that several projects related to the shipping sector had been launched at the conclave, Modi highlighted that MoUs worth lakhs of crores of rupees had also been signed in the shipping sector.
He remarked that this reflected the global confidence in India’s maritime capabilities, adding that the presence of participants at the event stands as a symbol of their common commitment.
Setting a new record
“In the 21st century, India’s maritime sector is advancing with great speed and energy”, emphasised the prime minister, highlighting that the year 2025 has been particularly significant for the sector and shared key achievements. He remarked that Vizhinjam Port, India’s first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, is now operational, noting that the world’s largest container vessel had recently arrived at the port.
Modi further stated that, in 2024-25, India’s major ports had handled the highest cargo volumes ever, setting a new record. He announced that for the first time, an Indian port has launched a megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility – an achievement credited to Kandla Port. Another major milestone has been achieved at JNPT, where Phase II of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal has commenced, he added. “This has doubled the terminal’s handling capacity, making it India’s largest container port”. The prime minister emphasised that this was made possible due to the largest FDI in India’s port infrastructure and expressed special gratitude to partners from Singapore for their contribution.
This year, India has taken major steps towards next-generation reforms in the maritime sector, Modi stated. “The colonial shipping laws, over a century old, have been replaced with modern and futuristic legislation suited for the 21st century”. These new laws empowered state maritime boards, strengthened safety and sustainability and expanded digitisation in port management. As, under the Merchant Shipping Act, Indian laws had been globally aligned with international conventions, Modi felt, this alignment had enhanced trust in safety standards, improved ease of doing business and reduced government intervention. He expressed confidence that these efforts would further boost the confidence of stakeholders and investors.
The Coastal Shipping Act has been designed to simplify trade and strengthen supply chain security, Modi stated, emphasising that the act ensured balanced development along India’s extensive coastline. Highlighting the One Nation, One Port Process, which will standardise port-related procedures and significantly reduce documentation requirements, the prime minister remarked that these reforms in the shipping sector were a continuation of India’s decade-long reform journey. Reflecting on the past 10-11 years, he noted that the transformation in India’s maritime sector has been historic.
Under the Maritime India Vision, more than 150 new initiatives have been launched, resulting in nearly doubling the capacity of major ports, a substantial reduction in turnaround time and a new momentum in cruise tourism. Cargo movement on inland waterways had increased by over 700 per cent, he added, with the number of operational waterways rising from three to 32. He further stated that the net annual surplus of Indian ports has increased ninefold over the past decade.
“India’s ports are now counted among the most efficient in the developing world, and in many cases, are outperforming ports in the developed world”, exclaimed Modi. He shared key performance statistics, noting that the average container dwell time in India has reduced to less than three days, which was better than that of several developed nations.
He highlighted that the average vessel turnaround time has dropped from 96 hours to just 48 hours, making Indian ports more competitive and attractive for global shipping lines. He added that India has shown significant improvement in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
He further emphasised India’s growing strength in maritime human resources, stating that the number of Indian seafarers had increased from 125,000 to over 300,000 in the past decade. Today, India ranks among the top three countries globally in terms of seafarer numbers.
Focus on green logistics
With a quarter of the 21st century already passed, the next 25 years are even more critical, Modi felt. India’s focus, according to him, was on the Blue Economy and Sustainable Coastal Development. He highlighted the government’s strong emphasis on green logistics, port connectivity and coastal industrial clusters.
“Shipbuilding is now among India’s top priorities”, underscored the prime minister. Recalling India’s historical prominence in shipbuilding, he noted that the country was once a major global centre in this field. He pointed out that not far from the venue lie the Ajanta Caves, where a Sixth Century painting depicts the design of a three-masted ship. The prime minister remarked that this design, seen in ancient Indian art, was adopted by other countries centuries later.
Underlining that ships built in India were once a vital part of global trade, Modi noted that India later advanced in the ship-breaking sector and is now accelerating efforts to reach new heights in ship-making. He mentioned that India has granted infrastructure asset status to large ships, a policy decision that will open new avenues for all shipbuilders present at the event.
He highlighted that this would provide new financing options, reduce interest costs and ease access to credit. To propel this reform, the prime minister declared that the government would invest nearly Rs70,000 crore to enhance domestic capacity, promote long-term financing, support the development of greenfield and brownfield shipyards, build advanced maritime skills and generate millions of jobs for youth. He added that this initiative would also unlock new investment opportunities for all stakeholders.
The prime minister remarked that the land hosting the conclave was the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who not only laid the foundation of maritime security but also asserted Indian strength across the trade routes of the Arabian Sea. He highlighted Shivaji Maharaj’s vision that the seas were not boundaries but gateways to opportunity and stated that India was moving forward with the same thinking.
Emphasising India’s commitment to strengthening global supply chain resilience and noting that the country was actively building world-class mega ports, Modi announced that a new port was being constructed in Wadhwan, Maharashtra, at Rs76,000 crore. Also, India was working to quadruple the capacity of its major ports and increase its share in containerised cargo. The prime minister affirmed that all stakeholders present are key partners in achieving these goals and welcomed their ideas, innovations and investments.
He reiterated that India permitted 100 per cent FDI in ports and shipping and that public-private partnerships were rapidly expanding. Under the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, incentives were being provided, and states were being encouraged to attract investments. He urged investors from various countries to seize this moment to engage and expand in India’s shipping sector, stating that this was the right time.
Redefining trade routes
Underlining India’s vibrant democracy and reliability as a defining strength, the Prime Minister remarked: “When the global seas are rough and the world looks for a steady lighthouse, India is well-poised to play that role with strength and stability”. Amid global tensions, trade disruptions and shifting supply chains, Modi stated that India stood as a symbol of strategic autonomy, peace and inclusive growth.
He emphasised that India’s maritime and trade initiatives were integral to this broader vision. Citing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as an example, he noted that it would redefine trade routes and promote clean energy and smart logistics.
Emphasising India’s focus on inclusive maritime development, the prime minister stated that this goal could only be achieved by empowering Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries through technology, training and infrastructure. He highlighted the need for collective action to address climate change, supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty and maritime security.
Modi called upon all participants to move together towards peace, progress and prosperity and to build a sustainable future. Concluding his address, the prime minister extended his warm greetings and appreciation to all attendees for being part of the summit.
While inaugurating IMW 2025 in Mumbai, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the maritime sector represented India’s strength, stability and sustainability. “This is India’s maritime moment – one that is transforming the Gateway of India into the Gateway of the World,” he declared. “Due to the deep structural reforms initiated by our Prime Minister, India today stands as an emerging force on the global maritime map.”
The Home Minister noted that India’s strategic location and extensive coastline provided it with unparalleled maritime advantages. “Our 11,000 km long coastline, 13 coastal states, and a 2.37 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone make India a natural maritime power. About 60 per cent of our GDP is contributed by coastal states and nearly 800 million people depend on the sea for their livelihood,” said Shah.
Highlighting India’s growing leadership in the Indo-Pacific, the Home Minister said, “Leveraging its maritime position, democratic stability and naval capability, India is acting as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and the Global South, fostering development, security and environmental progress.”
Shah also emphasised that the government’s maritime policy, rooted in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aimed to strengthen India’s role as a global maritime hub. “India’s maritime strength lies not in competition but in co-operation,” he said. “Our goal is to build a green maritime future that accelerates growth while maintaining harmony with nature”.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union minister for ports, shipping & waterways, said that IMW 2025 has been a resounding success. “When compared to Global Maritime Summit 2023 investment figures, a 41 per cent surge witnessed in investments in the country’s maritime sector in IMW 2025 underscores India’s growing leadership in sustainable port-led development and its emergence as a key driver of the global blue economy,” he added. “This is a direct result of our dynamic prime minister’s visionary leadership, which has transformed India’s maritime sector into a beacon of global confidence and opportunity”.
Sonowal described IMW 2025 as ‘a turning point in India’s maritime journey’. He said that the summit underscores the government’s determination to position India among the world’s top maritime powers through policy reform, digital transformation and record investment. “India currently handles about 10 per cent of seaborne trade and our goal is to triple it by 2047,” he said. “This will be supported by a fourfold increase in port capacity and the development of deep-draft mega ports. India’s port capacity has nearly doubled to 2,700 mt per annum, cargo handled has risen to 1,640 mt, and inland waterways cargo has grown from 6.9 mt to over 145 mt in the last decade. And, the number of Indian seafarers has surged by 200 per cent, reaching 320,000.”
Shantanu Thakur, minister of state for ports, shipping & waterways, emphasised India’s focus on sustainability, innovation and human resource development. “India is building a smart, sustainable and globally competitive maritime ecosystem that empowers industry, protects the environment and connects us to the world,” he said.
Delivering his address at IMW 2025, Mansukh Mandaviya, Union cabinet minister for labour & employment, stated that the young women workforce of India should be encouraged to work aboard cruise ships, as cruise tourism in India was a rapidly expanding sector, driven by increased demand, government initiatives like the Cruise Bharat Mission and significant investment in infrastructure.
The cruise tourism industry in India has seen a five-fold increase in passengers over the last decade and is projected to double its sea cruise passenger numbers by 2029, while also boosting river cruise tourism, with a goal to reach 1.5 million river cruise tourists in the same timeframe. This growth is fuelled by government support, a growing middle class and the development of both coastal and river cruise experiences.
“Cruise tourism offers enormous career opportunities to young girls of our country, as it is safe to work aboard cruise ships and the voyages are also not long,” he said. He also lauded the immense contribution of Indian women in the merchant navy sector across the globe.
Mandaviya delivered the keynote address at the GMIS – Maritime Human Capital Session at IMW 2025. The session, under the theme: Navigating the future: building a modern maritime workforce, was organised as part of the Global Maritime Innovation Summit (GMIS) track. The focus of the session was on India’s strategy to develop a modern, skilled and globally competitive maritime workforce aligned with the nation’s rapid growth in shipping, ports and logistics.
In his keynote address, Mandaviya emphasised that India’s maritime strength lies not only in its ports and ships but in its people – the skilled professionals, who will drive the sector’s future. He stated that the maritime industry must not only build ships but also build futures for millions of young Indians seeking global careers. “The coming era belongs to India. We have our greatest strength: a young population, with 35 per cent youth. Our demographic dividend will drive India to emerge as a global maritime leader,” he said.
A game-changer event
Leaders of the Indian maritime industry also acknowledged the fact that the recently concluded IMW 2025 will undoubtedly prove to be a game-changer event and will yield attractive investments in the country’s shipping sector, and will also generate huge employment opportunities. “IMW 2025 has indicated the future course of shipping in India in terms of ship building, ship repairs, modern ports, seafaring, maritime education, etc,” said Vineet Gupta, a veteran marine engineer and member of the board, Maritime Association of Ship-owners, Ship managers & Agents. “This will also improve the overall technical skills of our youth keen on participating in the country’s maritime growth story.
More ship-related activities in India will help highly-skilled Indian seafarers to upgrade their efficiencies continuously and also increase their global share in the years to come”. Savio Ramos, general secretary, Maritime Union of India, added that the recently concluded IMW 2025 has been highly beneficial for the Indian shipping industry. It strengthened policy support, encouraged investments, promoted global partnerships and highlighted green and digital initiatives – all of which are set to enhance the competitiveness and growth of Indian shipping in the coming years.
Over 600 MoUs worth more than Rs10 lakh crore were signed, covering port development, shipbuilding, green shipping and maritime skill enhancement, further reinforcing the sector’s long-term growth potential. “IMW 2025 created awareness for training, jobs, and global partnerships, strengthening India’s role as a key source of skilled maritime professionals,” he said.
Jagdeep Kahlon, a well-known maritime entrepreneur and managing director of an Indian shipping enterprise, Ocean One Ship Management, however, felt that, from an industry viewpoint, IMW 2025 did not appear to have achieved the level of international engagement and participation that was anticipated. “The absence of major global shipowners, shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers was noticeable. Instead, much of the attendance comprised maritime trainees and cadets from maritime training institutes, which, while encouraging for youth exposure, diluted the event’s intended focus as a global maritime business platform,” he said.
In contrast, international events such as Crew Connect Global in Manila, Posidonia in Athens, and Bari Ship in Japan consistently attract key decision-makers, shipowners and maritime investors. These forums serve as genuine business and networking platforms that facilitate commercial outcomes and strategic collaborations, remarked Kahlon. “While the government’s intent and commitment to promoting India’s maritime growth remain commendable, the execution and international outreach of these events need significant strengthening to align with global benchmarks,” he added.
“Going forward, a focused approach towards structured industry participation, greater international representation and follow-through on investment commitments will be critical. The aspiration should be to elevate India’s maritime events to the stature of globally recognised forums that drive business outcomes and reflect the true potential of India’s maritime sector,” reiterated Kahlon.
“IMW 2025 undoubtedly created awareness about the career in merchant navy and the cluster among school children and cadets,” affirmed Inderveer Solanki, a renowned maritime industry leader, who had served the government of India’s Inland Waterways Authority of India. “It’s for the first time that a discussion on careers after seafaring is being addressed and discussed. The onus is on all of us in the maritime industry to do more than normal to make things happen, and with persistence. Things will take time, as bureaucracy and its support system may be novice to our industry. Such events at a mega scale are required to wake up the policy makers to recognise the potential of the maritime industry that can propel the growth of India to new levels.”
“The Directorate General of Shipping, ministry of ports, shipping & waterways, has showcased outstanding achievements and forward-looking initiatives during the recently concluded IMW 2025,” said Shyam Jagannathan, an IAS officer of the 1997 Assam-Meghalaya cadre & the current director of the Directorate General of Shipping of India.
According to him, at IMW 2025, his department hosted the session, Guardians of the sea: maritime safety & security, featuring international maritime leaders from Norway, Denmark, IMO and the Indian Coast Guard. The session launched key releases, including the HSSE Management Standard, a White Paper on Shipbuilding & Ship Repair, and the publication, Contingency Planning for Maritime Incidents, which emphasised safety, preparedness, and environmental compliance.
“With sponsorship commitments worth Rs3.58 crore and over 800 sq m of exhibition space occupied, our department’s stellar participation at IMW 2025 underscored its leadership in advancing India’s maritime transformation through innovation, regulatory excellence and global collaboration,” said Jagannathan.
India’s proud maritime heritage is indeed well-known. The country has always been known for shipbuilding and coastal trade historically. However, a decade ago, India’s maritime sector was filled with antiquated laws and limited capacities. With a focus on infrastructure, reforms and public participation, the country’s maritime sector has witnessed many transformations over the last decade.
Today, the sector stands transformed as a symbol of modern infrastructure, global trust and national pride. India’s port capacity has now doubled from 1,400 mt to 2,762 mt per annum, cargo handling rose from 972 mt to 1,594 mt, including 855 mt in 2024-25, vessel turnaround time has been reduced from 93 hours to 48 hours and India’s seafarer workforce has grown from 125,000 to over 300,000, now accounting for 12 per cent of the global seafaring workforce, as the country is today among the top three suppliers of trained seafarers in the world.
Also, India’s shipping power is expanding across coasts and rivers. The tally of Indian-flagged vessels has increased from 1,205 to 1,549, and fleet gross tonnage grew from 10 mgt to 13.52 mgt. Coastal shipping cargo has nearly doubled from 87 mt to 165 mt. Inland waterway cargo grew by 710 per cent, from 18 mt in 2014 to 146 mt in 2025. The number of operational waterways has expanded from three to 32, while ferry and Ro-Pax services carried 7.5 crore passengers in 2024-25.
Vizhinjam Port has become India’s first deep-water transhipment hub. Kandla Port hosts the nation’s first green hydrogen facility. JNPT has doubled its capacity and attracted the largest FDI in port history. The Wadhwan Port project in Palghar, Maharashtra, with an investment of about Rs76,000 crore, will be among the world’s few deep-draft ports at 20 metres. Its seamless railway and highway connectivity, proximity to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Western Freight Corridor will transform the region’s economic landscape, creating new opportunities for logistics, warehousing and trade.
Thus, reform has powered India’s progress at sea. Five landmark bills, from the Bills of Lading Bill to the Indian Ports Bill (2025), have modernised maritime governance, simplified trade, empowered states and aligned India with global standards. To accelerate this growth, the government has approved a Rs70,000 crore umbrella package for the maritime sector. The Shipbuilding Assistance Scheme, Maritime Development Fund and Shipbuilding Development Scheme will attract over Rs4.5 lakh crore in investment and help produce more than 2,500 vessels. This initiative will position India among the global leaders in shipbuilding and maritime innovation.
The 21st century has proved crucial for the maritime sector in India, and the next 25 years hold great significance. Indian ports are on a par with or at times ahead of the ports in developed nations, and the latest World Bank Logistics Performance Index has acknowledged remarkable improvement in the country’s maritime sector.
The recently concluded IMW 2025 undoubtedly acted as a catalyst in powering the government of India’s ambitious vision for the ‘Blue Economy’. India possesses long coastlines, strategic locations, world-class ports, an ambitious vision and an environment that fosters innovation and a young generation capable of building a bright future.
At IMW 2025, Prime Minister Modi expressed the optimism of both domestic and international investors regarding the future of port-based development in India. He affirmed that India’s maritime sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom in infrastructure, reforms and productivity, making it a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth. “India is a safe haven for investment,” Modi declared in his address at IMW 2025. “We have the infrastructure, the innovation and the determination. Come and join us on this voyage to prosperity.”