Key Points

The event, chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted India's growing role in global maritime trade, sustainable shipping, and the blue economy.

Sonowal urged global partners to view India as a hub for investment and innovation, highlighting the government's $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap.

"India's maritime journey is entering a new chapter under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. With transformative initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, our ports, shipping and logistics ecosystem is becoming more resilient, sustainable and future-ready," Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told the gathering.

Underlining the opportunities in India's maritime sector, Sarbananda Sonowal further said, "Under the dynamic leadership of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji, we are working to transform our ports, shipping, and logistics ecosystem into one that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready, and this opens vast avenues for international collaboration. These opportunities open upto 1 trillion US dollars maritime investment roadmap, with strong potential for joint ventures in developing ports and cargo terminal operations; multi-modal; maritime services; shipbuilding; ship recycling and ship repairs; green hydrogen hubs; and sustainable shipping solutions."

A sectoral presentation by R. Laxmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, showcased opportunities in mega projects such as Vadhavan Port, Galathea Bay Transhipment Port and Tuna Tekra Terminal, alongside investments in green hydrogen hubs, LNG bunkering, and shipbuilding, ship recycling, and maritime industrial parks.

The deliberations focused on India's core maritime priorities, including strengthening shipbuilding capacity and port-led development to position the country as a global hub. Delegates also highlighted the scope of the blue economy, stressing sustainable growth and livelihoods through the responsible use of ocean resources.

Discussions emphasised the importance of digitalisation in maritime logistics to improve efficiency and transparency, along with the need to accelerate the transition to green shipping through the use of hydrogen-powered and low-emission vessels. The role of IFSC-GIFT City in driving maritime financing was underlined as a key enabler to attract global investment and foster innovation in the sector.

Envoys welcomed the government's reforms, including five new legislations -- the Bills of Lading Act, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Coastal Shipping Act and the Indian Ports Act -- which replace colonial-era laws and align India's framework with global best practices.

"IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects, and commitments into partnerships. India stands ready to collaborate and lead towards a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable and inclusive," Sonowal added.

The outcomes of the Roundtable will be integrated into IMW 2025, ensuring the biennial flagship event addresses global stakeholder priorities.

- ANI