India’s Ministry of Shipping is developing ambitious plans for the country’s maritime future. At a meeting of foreign ambassadors on the eve of India Maritime Week (IMW), Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, officially launched a trillion-dollar maritime “roadmap” designed to attract public and private investment in critical maritime infrastructure.
Sonowal addressed representatives from 28 countries, stating that India is committed to transforming and modernizing its ports, logistics, and shipping systems. He noted: “These opportunities will unlock a trillion-dollar maritime investment blueprint, with robust joint venture potential across port development, cargo terminal operations, multimodal transport hubs, maritime services, shipbuilding, ship recycling and repair, green hydrogen hubs, and sustainable shipping solutions.”
To this end, the Indian government is comprehensively overhauling its maritime legal framework to align it with international standards and create a more favorable investment environment for foreign shipping investors. Five recently passed new laws—the Bills of Lading Act, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, the Merchant Shipping Act, the Coastal Shipping Act, and the Indian Ports Act—are key components of India’s legal modernization program, replacing legacy statutes dating back to the British colonial era.
He noted: “These opportunities will unlock a trillion-dollar maritime investment blueprint, with robust joint ventures in developing ports and cargo terminal operations, multi-modal terminals, maritime services, shipbuilding, ship recycling and ship repairs, green hydrogen hubs and sustainable shipping solutions.”
“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.