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 CollaborationThe Minister highlighted investment potential in:Port and cargo terminal developmentShipbuilding and ship recyclingGreen hydrogen hubs and LNG bunkeringMaritime industrial parksSustainable and digital shipping technologiesSectoral VisionMinister 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 HighlightedJoint Secretary Shri R. Laxmanan presented investment opportunities in landmark projects such as:Vadhavan PortGalathea Bay Transshipment HubTuna Tekra TerminalGreen hydrogen and LNG infrastructureNew maritime industrial clustersPolicy Reforms and Future OutlookDelegates 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of maritime laws, with five key legislations—including the new Indian Ports Act and Merchant Shipping Act—replacing outdated colonial-era regulations and aligning with global standards.Discussions also touched on:Strengthening India’s shipbuilding capacityLeveraging the blue economy for sustainable livelihoodsEnhancing transparency via maritime digitalisationTransitioning to low-emission, hydrogen-fuelled vesselsExpanding maritime financing via IFSC-GIFT CityShri 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.”The insights and outcomes of this Roundtable will be integrated into the agenda for IMW 2025, ensuring alignment with international priorities and investment objectives.