India Strengthens Maritime Sector as PM Modi Highlights Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced significant advancements in India’s maritime sector during his address at the Maritime Leaders’ Conclave and the Global Maritime CEO Forum on March 13, 2025, in Mumbai. He emphasized India’s readiness to lead in a world facing uncertainty, citing a decade of remarkable growth and transformation within the industry.

Over the past ten years, India has seen its port surplus increase nine-fold, reflecting a major shift in operational capabilities. Modi highlighted a staggering 700% increase in cargo movement via inland waterways and a more than tenfold rise in the operational capacity of these waterways. The Prime Minister noted that these improvements have led to heightened efficiency in the port sector, with vessel turnaround times reduced from 96 hours to just 48 hours. Container dwell time has similarly improved, now averaging under three days, a benchmark he remarked is “better than many developed nations.”

The Prime Minister linked these advancements to rising foreign investment in India’s maritime sector. Specifically, he noted that the number of Indian seafarers has surged from 125,000 to over 300,000, positioning India as the world’s third-largest supplier of seafarers. Modi projected that by 2030, one in every five seafarers globally will be of Indian origin, underscoring the country’s growing influence in maritime human resources.

Key initiatives have also been launched to enhance the maritime landscape. The Vizhinjam Port, India’s first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, has become operational. Additionally, a large-scale green hydrogen plant has been established at Kandla Port, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainable practices. The government has allocated an investment of ₹70,000 crore to further expand India’s shipbuilding capacity.

Modi concluded his remarks by connecting these recent achievements to India’s rich maritime heritage. He indicated that initiatives like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor will fundamentally redefine global trade routes, enhancing India’s strategic position in international maritime commerce.