India has launched its first national container shipping line, Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL), in a major step toward reducing dependence on foreign carriers and strengthening domestic maritime capacity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch at the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week 2025 (27–31 October) in Mumbai, describing it as part of a “new era of maritime confidence.” BCSL begins operations with a fleet of 51 container vessels and an investment of USD 6.9 billion under a public–private partnership, backed by the Maritime Development Fund. The new line will initially operate services across Asia, West Asia and the Red Sea, with plans for global expansion.

The initiative was first revealed in February by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The launch aligns with Maritime India Vision 2047, a national strategy aimed at expanding India’s shipping capacity and capturing a larger share of its containerised trade, which is currently dominated by foreign lines.

India Maritime Week 2025 also saw several major announcements supporting the country’s maritime ambitions, including new investments, vessel orders and infrastructure plans. Modi confirmed orders for 437 new ships worth USD 26 billion, including 60 oil and gas carriers valued at USD 5.7 billion, 100 eco-friendly tugs under a “Green Tug Programme” and 11 dredgers for the Dredging Corporation of India.

Together, these initiatives aim to modernise India’s maritime ecosystem, reinforce its national fleet and strengthen port and logistics infrastructure for long-term competitiveness.