Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 34,200 billion in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, during the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event. Addressing dignitaries and citizens, he noted that the nation is observing Seva Pakhwada from Vishwakarma Jayanti to Gandhi Jayanti, highlighting service activities including blood donation by 100,000 individuals, cleanliness drives, and over 30,000 health camps, particularly benefiting women.

Paying tribute to Krishnakumarsinh Ji, the Prime Minister emphasised that India continues to draw inspiration from great patriots to strengthen unity, reinforcing the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat vision. Speaking ahead of Navratri, Shri Modi highlighted that reductions in GST are set to boost market activity, while port-led development will promote economic growth and cruise tourism, including the inauguration of the International Cruise Terminal in Mumbai.

Shri Modi stressed that India’s primary challenge is foreign dependence, which undermines national self-reliance. He urged a collective drive towards Atmanirbhar Bharat, asserting that the future of India’s 1.4 billion citizens cannot depend on external forces. He cited India’s historical maritime strength, noting that domestic ships once handled 40 per cent of trade—a figure now reduced to 5 per cent, with 95 per cent of trade reliant on foreign vessels. India pays nearly $75 billion (approx. Rs 6 lakh billion) annually for shipping, equivalent to the defence budget, creating overseas jobs while domestic potential remains underutilised.

Announcing major reforms, the Prime Minister declared that all Indian ports will now adopt ‘One Nation, One Document’ and ‘One Nation, One Port’ processes, simplifying trade. Five maritime laws have been updated, aiming to revitalise shipbuilding, an industry historically dubbed the “Mother of All Industries” due to its multiplier effect on allied sectors including steel, machinery, electronics, textiles, paints, IT, and MSMEs. Investments in shipbuilding will exceed Rs 70,000 billion, supported by infrastructure recognition, easier bank loans, and reduced interest rates.

Shri Modi highlighted that over 40 ships and submarines, including the INS Vikrant, have been domestically built in the past decade. Industrial Training Institutes and Maritime Universities are enhancing skill development, preparing cadets for both naval and commercial maritime roles. Port capacity has doubled since 2014, ship turnaround times reduced from two days to less than one, and the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra is being developed at over Rs 75,000 billion, expected to rank among the world’s top ten ports.

India currently handles 10 per cent of global maritime trade, with ambitions to triple this share by 2047. The seafarer workforce has grown from 125,000 to over 300,000, ranking India among the top three nations globally. Gujarat’s coastline and ports handle 40 per cent of India’s sea cargo, with further gains expected from the Dedicated Freight Corridor. The Alang Ship Breaking Yard is emerging as a hub of employment for youth.

The Prime Minister reiterated that national prosperity depends on self-reliance, urging citizens to prioritise indigenous goods and services. By linking festivals and economic activity to domestic production, he encouraged a collective effort to celebrate India’s growth.