PM Modi to meet top CEOs as India unveils $1 trillion maritime roadmap, positioning itself as a global shipping and shipbuilding hub
India Launches Major Global Push for Maritime Investments
In an ambitious move to transform its maritime sector, India has reached out to over 100 countries to drive ₹10 trillion (~$120 billion) in investments across shipping, ports, and shipbuilding.
- The effort is part of preparations for India Maritime Week, scheduled for October 2025.
- The event will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally engaging with 25 global CEOs and 10 regional business leaders from top international shipping firms.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build global partnerships across India’s maritime value chain,” said R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Shipping.
A $1 Trillion Maritime Investment Roadmap
The government’s outreach is backed by a $1 trillion investment roadmap, offering joint venture opportunities across a wide range of segments:
- Port and cargo terminal development
- Multi-modal logistics terminals
- Maritime services and digitization
- Shipbuilding, ship recycling, and ship repair
- Green hydrogen hubs and decarbonized shipping solutions
“This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to building a sustainable and self-reliant maritime ecosystem,” stated Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Strategic Corridors and Port Diplomacy in Focus
The Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in Delhi saw discussions on two strategic connectivity corridors:
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which several countries showed strong interest in exploring further.
- The future of Chabahar Port, seen as India’s gateway to Central Asia for landlocked nations seeking expanded trade access.
These projects could play a pivotal role in redefining regional logistics, improving trade routes, and expanding India’s geopolitical influence.
Blue Economy and Sustainable Maritime Growth
India’s maritime strategy is not limited to infrastructure—it also emphasizes the blue economy:
- Delegates discussed the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth and livelihoods.
- There was a shared commitment to develop responsible, resilient, and resource-efficient maritime operations.
The vision aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which outlines:
- ₹80 trillion total investment over 22 years
- ₹54 trillion earmarked for shipbuilding
- The goal: to place India among the top five shipbuilding nations globally
A Unified National Strategy for Maritime Excellence
The coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Ministry of External Affairs mark a significant step in positioning India as a global maritime powerhouse.
- The push comes after seven months of fiscal and legislative reforms, aimed at making the Indian maritime landscape investor-friendly and future-ready.
- India is now looking to capitalize on global shifts in supply chains and the growing demand for sustainable shipping and logistics infrastructure.
