Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, reaffirming India’s position as a rising global maritime power.
Addressing participants from over 85 countries, Prime Minister Modi stated that India’s maritime sector is advancing with exceptional speed and energy. He highlighted the transformation of India’s ports, which are now among the most efficient in the developing world and often outperform those in developed nations.
Modi noted that India’s first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, Vizhinjam Port, has become operational, welcoming the world’s largest container vessel – a milestone moment for India’s maritime journey. He added that 2024-25 marked record cargo volumes at major ports and that Kandla Port has launched India’s first megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility.
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Modern Reforms and Maritime Legislation at India Maritime Week 2025
The Prime Minister emphasized that over a century-old colonial shipping laws have been replaced by modern and futuristic legislation aligned with 21st-century needs.
These include the Merchant Shipping Act and Coastal Shipping Act, which simplify trade, enhance port digitization, ensure safety and sustainability, and align India’s laws with international conventions.
He said, “In the 21st century, India’s maritime sector is advancing with great speed and energy. These reforms empower State Maritime Boards, reduce government intervention, and improve ease of doing business.”
Shipbuilding and Infrastructure Boost Announced at India Maritime Week 2025
Highlighting India’s renewed focus on shipbuilding, the Prime Minister announced infrastructure asset status for large ships, a move expected to unlock new financing options and reduce borrowing costs for shipbuilders.
To propel domestic shipbuilding, the government will invest nearly ₹70,000 crore, which will enhance shipyard capacity, promote long-term financing, and create millions of new jobs.
He also announced the construction of a new mega port in Vadhavan, Maharashtra, at a cost of ₹76,000 crore, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening global supply chains and increasing its share in containerized cargo.
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India’s Maritime Vision and Global Role
Referring to India’s decade-long reform journey under the Maritime India Vision, Modi noted that over 150 initiatives have nearly doubled port capacity, improved turnaround times, and accelerated cruise tourism and inland waterway cargo movement by over 700%.
“India’s ports are now counted among the most efficient globally,” he said, noting that average container dwell time has dropped below three days and vessel turnaround time has halved to 48 hours. He added that India now ranks among the world’s top three countries in seafarer strength, with numbers rising from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh in a decade.
Global Maritime Cooperation at India Maritime Week 2025
Speaking to CEOs, policymakers, and global delegates, Modi emphasized that India’s maritime transformation aligns with its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which rests on four strategic pillars—port-led development, shipbuilding, seamless logistics, and maritime skill-building.
He underlined India’s democratic resilience and reliability amid global trade disruptions, stating, “When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India is well poised to play that role with strength and stability.”
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Calling for collective global action to support Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, the Prime Minister urged greater collaboration in green shipping, climate adaptation, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
About India Maritime Week 2025
Organized under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision”, India Maritime Week 2025 is being held from 27th to 31st October 2025. The event brings together over 1,00,000 delegates, 500+ exhibitors, and 350+ international speakers, making it India’s premier global maritime platform. The forum serves as a hub for discussions on sustainable maritime growth, resilient supply chains, green logistics, and inclusive blue economy strategies.
