India Eyes Rs 83 Trillion Maritime Investment Push
28 Aug 2025 CW Team
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) convened the Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in New Delhi today, bringing together diplomats from 28 nations, senior officials, industry leaders, and multilateral representatives to explore collaboration opportunities ahead of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled to be held from 27th to 31st October in Mumbai.
The event was chaired by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who outlined India’s ambition to become a global maritime hub through a Rs 83 trillion (USD 1 trillion) investment roadmap. He invited global partners to explore joint ventures in port development, green shipping, shipbuilding, hydrogen hubs, and logistics infrastructure.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our maritime journey is entering a new chapter. With initiatives like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India’s ports and shipping ecosystem is being redefined as resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive,” said Shri Sonowal.
Focus Areas for Global Collaboration
The Minister highlighted investment potential in:
- Port and cargo terminal development
- Shipbuilding and ship recycling
- Green hydrogen hubs and LNG bunkering
- Maritime industrial parks
- Sustainable and digital shipping technologies
Sectoral Vision
Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur reinforced the government’s commitment to port modernisation, expansion of inland waterways, and promotion of green and AI-enabled logistics.
“Ports are not just gateways of prosperity, but gateways to India’s future,” he remarked, emphasising the role of smart logistics, automation, and digital port operations in transforming the sector.
Key Projects Highlighted
Joint Secretary Shri R. Laxmanan presented investment opportunities in landmark projects such as:
- Vadhavan Port
- Galathea Bay Transshipment Hub
- Tuna Tekra Terminal
- Green hydrogen and LNG infrastructure
- New maritime industrial clusters
Policy Reforms and Future Outlook
Delegates lauded India’s progressive overhaul of maritime laws, with five key legislations—including the new Indian Ports Act and Merchant Shipping Act—replacing outdated colonial-era regulations and aligning with global standards.
Discussions also touched on:
- Strengthening India’s shipbuilding capacity
- Leveraging the blue economy for sustainable livelihoods
- Enhancing transparency via maritime digitalisation
- Transitioning to low-emission, hydrogen-fuelled vessels
- Expanding maritime financing via IFSC-GIFT City
Shri Sonowal concluded by stating:
“India Maritime Week 2025 will serve as a global platform to turn ideas into projects and commitments into partnerships. We are ready to lead the way towards a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive maritime future.”