Amit Shah unveils vision for a globally competitive maritime India at IMW 2025

Union Minister of Home Affairs & Co-operation, Mr Amit Shah, inaugurated the India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW 2025) on Monday, October 27 at the NESCO Grounds (Bombay Exhibition Centre), Mumbai. Organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association, the five-day event runs until October 31 under the central theme: “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision.”

In his keynote address, Mr Shah outlined an ambitious roadmap for a resilient, innovative and globally competitive maritime India—calling it a defining moment in the nation’s maritime journey. He envisioned Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India as the future “Gateway to the World,” positioning India as a strategic bridge between the Indo-Pacific and the Global South, anchored by maritime strength, democratic stability and naval capability.

He highlighted that IMW 2025 will attract participation from over 1 lakh delegates, 350+ speakers from 100+ countries and 500+ companies.

Green, digital and strategic transformation

Mr Shah highlighted the government’s commitment to a green maritime future, including:

*100% green fuel ships (ammonia/methanol) by 2030

* AI-driven predictive logistics with 15% fuel savings

* National Maritime Single Window enabling 95% digital clearances

India’s 11,000+ km coastline, spanning 13 coastal states and Union Territories, underpins its growing maritime economy. With 70 Sagarmala projects completed, the sector is significantly contributing to India’s GDP through ports, shipping and logistics. IMW 2025 is projected to unlock `80 lakh crore in investments and generate 1.5 crore jobs, with `10 lakh crore in new opportunities aligned with PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Infrastructure, collaboration and Vision 2030

The Home Minister emphasised strategic collaboration across shipbuilding, green shipping, inland waterways and sustainable growth. He announced that the upcoming Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra will rank among the world’s top 10 ports—reinforcing India’s infrastructure push for global competitiveness. The conference, he said, reaffirms India’s commitment to Maritime Vision 2030, driving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in ocean resources and trade.

He outlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maritime vision, anchored on the three pillars of security, stability, and self-reliance, and driven by flagship initiatives such as Sagarmala, the Blue Economy, and the Green Maritime Vision. He reaffirmed India’s goal to rank among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations and highlighted the development of mega and deep-draft ports to meet a target of 10,000 million metric tons in annual port handling capacity.

India’s maritime policy has evolved into MAHASAGAR (Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions), reflecting the country’s growing global footprint. The government has increased the maritime budget sixfold—from $40 million to $230 million—and is actively pursuing international connectivity through corridors such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Eastern Maritime Corridor and North-South Transport Corridor.

Key infrastructure and policy milestones include:

* 839 Sagarmala projects identified (worth $70 billion), with 272 projects already completed

* $5 billion Great Nicobar Project under construction

* India’s largest dock being built at Cochin Shipyard with a $200 million investment

* Legislative reforms including the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 and the modernisation of the 117-year-old Indian Ports Bill

* Declaration of 106 new waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016

The Minister also noted a 118% increase in coastal shipping and a 150% rise in cargo handling over the past decade, with Turn-Around-Time (TAT) now approaching global benchmarks. Policy measures are also advancing a circular economy and boosting indigenous shipbuilding.

Voices from the coastal states

Mr Shah was joined by chief ministers of key coastal states:

* Mr Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra): Reaffirmed Maharashtra’s commitment to world class ports and logistics excellence

* Mr Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat): Showcased Gujarat’s leadership in port modernisation and shipbuilding

* Mr Mohan Charan Majhi (Odisha): Highlighted Odisha’s maritime legacy and blue economy roadmap

* Dr Pramod Sawant (Goa): Emphasised Goa’s potential in coastal tourism and green maritime initiatives

A platform for global maritime collaboration

Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), underscored India’s transformation into a resilient, sustainable and future-ready maritime ecosystem under PM Modi’s leadership. He announced a $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap and positioned IMW 2025 as a platform to convert ideas into projects and partnerships.

India’s maritime sector, handling over 95% of trade by volume, remains central to its economic vision. Long-term frameworks such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 guide the nation’s journey toward global maritime leadership.

Mr Sunil Paliwal, Chairman, Indian Ports Association, extended gratitude to dignitaries and delegates for marking a historic beginning to IMW 2025—a celebration of maritime innovation, collaboration and growth. The event was also graced by Mr Vijay Kumar (Secretary, MoPSW), Mr Shantanu Thakur (Minister of State, MoPSW), and other distinguished leaders from India and abroad.

Please visit our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ikargos2719 for fortnightly logistics news analysis and more!