Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, highlighting the country’s transformation into a global maritime powerhouse.
The Prime Minister said that participation from over 85 countries and the presence of top CEOs, policymakers, and innovators reaffirm global confidence in India’s maritime capabilities. He noted that MoUs worth several lakh crore rupees were signed at the event, underlining strong investor interest.
Key highlights included:
Vizhinjam Port — India’s first deep-water transshipment hub — is now operational, with the world’s largest container vessel recently docking there.
Kandla Port launched India’s first megawatt-scale green hydrogen facility.
JNPT’s Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase 2 is operational, doubling handling capacity — supported by India’s largest port FDI from Singapore.
A new ₹76,000 crore mega port at Vadhavan is under construction to expand India’s global shipping share.
The government will invest ₹70,000 crore in shipbuilding, granting infrastructure asset status to large ships to attract financing, lower interest costs, and generate millions of maritime jobs.
PM Modi also unveiled sweeping 21st-century maritime laws, replacing colonial-era acts. The Merchant Shipping Act and Coastal Shipping Act aim to modernize port operations, digitize logistics, and strengthen safety and sustainability.
The Prime Minister said these reforms are aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2047, built on four strategic pillars — port-led development, shipbuilding, seamless logistics, and skill development.
“India’s ports are now among the most efficient in the developing world,” PM Modi said. “Our focus is on inclusive maritime development — working together for peace, progress, and prosperity to build a sustainable future.”
