Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday urged global stakeholders to see India as a maritime hub of investment and innovation, backed by the government’s $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap.
He made the remarks at Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in New Delhi, hosted by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), which brought together envoys from 28 countries, multilateral representatives, and industry leaders to discuss investment opportunities and partnerships in the run-up to India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025. The event chaired by Sonowal underlined India’s growing role in global maritime trade, sustainable shipping and the blue economy.
“India’s maritime journey is entering a new chapter under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Sonowal said, pointing to flagship initiatives such as the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
He emphasised opportunities across port development, cargo terminal operations, shipbuilding, ship repairs, ship recycling, green hydrogen hubs, and sustainable shipping solutions.
“Under the dynamic leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are working to transform our ports, shipping, and logistics ecosystem into one that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready, and this opens vast avenues for international collaboration. These opportunities open up a 1 trillion US dollars maritime investment roadmap, with strong potential for joint ventures in developing ports and cargo terminal operations, multi-modal terminals, maritime services, shipbuilding, ship recycling and ship repairs, green hydrogen hubs, and sustainable shipping solutions,” he added.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur underlined reforms in port modernisation, inland waterways expansion, and digital & green shipping.
“Our Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji has often emphasised that ‘Ports are not just gateways of prosperity, but gateways of India’s future.’ Guided by this vision, India is modernising its maritime sector so that it becomes a pillar of nation-building, technology adoption, and sustainable development. As the world realises this potential, India has seen remarkable momentum in maritime investments and partnerships. Global players are joining hands with Indian counterparts in shipbuilding, port modernisation, smart logistics, and green shipping. Technology is at the heart of this progress—AI-driven logistics, digital port operations, and automation are making our ports more efficient and globally competitive”, said Thakur.
A detailed presentation by R. Laxmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, highlighted investment potential in upcoming mega projects such as the Vadhavan Port, Galathea Bay Transshipment Port, and Tuna Tekra Terminal, alongside plans for maritime industrial parks, LNG bunkering facilities, and green hydrogen hubs.
Delegates also discussed India’s push towards blue economy growth, stressing sustainable use of ocean resources for livelihoods, as well as the role of digitalisation in making logistics more transparent and efficient. The importance of IFSC-GIFT City in enabling maritime financing and attracting global investment was also underlined.
Envoys lauded India’s recent legislative reforms, including the introduction of five new laws – the Bills of Lading Act, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Coastal Shipping Act, and Indian Ports Act – which replace colonial-era regulations and align India with international best practices.
Positioned as MoPSW’s biennial flagship platform, IMW 2025 will be held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, from October 27–31, 2025. The event will bring together policymakers, investors, and thought leaders to explore collaboration opportunities and shape the future of India’s ports and logistics ecosystem.
“IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects, and commitments into partnerships. India stands ready to collaborate and lead towards a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable and inclusive,” Sonowal said.
