India has committed USD 20 billion (approximately Rs 1.67 trillion) towards infrastructure development, with a strategic focus on enhancing multimodal logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Thursday.

Speaking at the Nor-Shipping conference in Oslo, the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister emphasised India’s expanding maritime capabilities, highlighting a favourable investment climate driven by progressive policy reforms, robust shipbuilding expertise, and innovative financing mechanisms aimed at accelerating growth in the sector.

According to an official statement, Sonowal also called for stronger global partnerships in seafarer recruitment to meet the rising demands of the shipping industry.

He underscored India’s commitment to strengthening global maritime supply chains through strategic corridors such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), and the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

"Through policy incentives, ease of doing business, and infrastructure enhancement, we are laying the foundation for India to emerge as one of the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047," Sonowal stated.

In a push for a sustainable maritime future, the minister revealed that India is developing three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports – Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip. These hubs will support the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives, and promote the adoption of alternative fuels across maritime operations.

Sonowal is currently on a five-day official visit to Norway and Denmark to deepen international collaboration in the shipping and maritime sectors.