India showcases Maritime Vision 2047 and emerging investment opportunities in the UK

 

The India Maritime Investment Meet was successfully organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, at India House, London, with the aim of deepening maritime cooperation and attracting global investments into India’s growing maritime ecosystem, as per a release.

The event witnessed participation from global maritime leaders, investors, regulators, and key stakeholders for a comprehensive dialogue on India’s evolving maritime infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration under the Maritime India Vision 2047.

The meet was inaugurated by H.E. Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, who highlighted the long-standing maritime partnership between India and the UK and reaffirmed the shared commitment towards building sustainable and resilient blue economy corridors. In his address, he emphasised the importance of leveraging maritime infrastructure to support global trade, clean energy transitions, and inclusive economic growth.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, laid out India’s strategic priorities in the maritime domain and underlined the nation’s intent to emerge as a global maritime powerhouse.

“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi ji, India is scripting a new era of maritime resurgence—anchored in sustainability, digital transformation, and global partnerships,” he remarked.

Highlighting the strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the Secretary noted that India has become the fourth-largest economy, having surpassed USD 4 trillion, and is witnessing a rapid surge in foreign investments. He stated that with 100% FDI permitted under the automatic route in shipping and shipbuilding, and fiscal incentives offered by the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City, India presents a compelling case for global maritime investors. Key benefits include a 10-year tax holiday, zero GST on ship imports, and no withholding tax on maritime transactions.

The Secretary outlined India’s efforts to modernise its port ecosystem through Public-Private Partnerships, with the current cargo handling capacity of 2,760 MTPA targeted to expand to ~3,500 MTPA by 2030 and ~10,000 MTPA by 2047. 

He further mentioned the government’s commitment to strengthening alternative trade corridors in an era of global supply chain disruptions. India is playing a lead role in shaping transnational maritime connectivity through initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the Eastern Maritime Corridor, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The Secretary also extended a cordial invitation to all stakeholders to participate in the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from 27th to 31st October 2025, which will serve as a premier international platform for networking, innovation showcase, and investment exploration.

The event also featured a presentation by Mr R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), MoPSW, who offered a preview of the policy framework and investment potential that will be in focus during India Maritime Week 2025. He called upon global investors to be active participants in India’s maritime growth journey.

Throughout the day, thematic discussions and presentations were held on key areas such as port infrastructure, shipbuilding and recycling, maritime financing, and coastal logistics, with participation from leading organisations including Lloyd’s Register, DNV, Arctic Asia, DP World, APM Terminals, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Drewry Maritime Advisors, ArcelorMittal, Arrow Shipbrokers, Climate Fund Managers, and Standard Chartered Bank.

The meet concluded with closing remarks by Mr Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, who lauded the enthusiasm and thought leadership demonstrated by global partners and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a transparent, sustainable, and investment-friendly maritime ecosystem.

The networking reception that followed enabled meaningful interactions between Indian and international stakeholders, furthering conversations on partnerships, collaborations, and shared opportunities in the maritime sector, as per a release.

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