In a landmark move for India’s maritime industry, the Maharashtra government has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Abu Dhabi’s Investment Resource and Presidential Office, marking the first-ever partnership between Abu Dhabi Ports and any Indian state government.

The agreement, facilitated by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, paves the way for large-scale international collaboration in maritime development, port modernisation, and logistics infrastructure.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at Varsha Niwas in Mumbai, was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane, Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Sethi, and Maharashtra Maritime Board CEO P. Pradeep. Representing the UAE were Abu Dhabi Ports CEO Ahmed Al Mutawa, Equiline Group CEO Salah Al Nasser, and Rural Enhancers Group MD & CEO Amber Aide, along with other dignitaries.

Under the agreement, proposed investments of up to USD 2 billion (approximately Rs 166 billion) will be made in key sectors such as shipbuilding, ship-breaking, water transport, port infrastructure, and cruise management. The initiative is expected to transform Maharashtra into a leading maritime hub within India’s western seaboard.

The collaboration aligns with Maharashtra’s “Blue Economy-based Development 2030” strategy, which focuses on sustainable economic growth through maritime innovation, technology adoption, and global partnerships.

The MoU also emphasises technological cooperation, modernisation of port facilities, and the creation of integrated logistics networks, while promising significant employment opportunities within the state’s expanding maritime ecosystem.

Officials said the partnership would not only enhance Maharashtra’s maritime capabilities but also strengthen India–UAE bilateral cooperation in trade, logistics, and infrastructure development.

With this agreement, Maharashtra is set to position itself as a gateway for global maritime investment, aligning with India’s broader vision of achieving port-led economic growth under the Sagarmala and Maritime Amrit Kaal frameworks.