Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 29 (ANI): After dedicating Investment Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and launching key initiatives for the shipping and shipbuilding sector at the Maritime Leaders' Conclave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted that the maritime sector has transformed significantly, boosting trade and port infrastructure.
Addressing the Maritime Leaders Conclave in Mumbai, PM Modi said, "The maritime sector is driving India's growth. Over the last decade, it has transformed significantly, boosting trade and port infrastructure."
The Prime Minister asserted that the participation of more than 85 countries in the Conclave was a strong message in itself and shows how much faith the world has in India's maritime capabilities.
"This event began in 2016, and it is a matter of great pride for all of us that today this summit has become a global event. The participation of more than 85 countries from around the world in this program today is in itself a very big message. Today, the inauguration of several projects related to the Shipping sector has taken place here. MoUs worth crores of rupees related to the Shipping sector have also been issued. This shows how much faith the world has in India's maritime capabilities. Your presence in this event is a symbol of our common commitment," PM Modi said.
Hailing the growth in the maritime sector, the Prime Minister said that the Indian port has initiated a megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility for the first time.
"In this era of the 21st century, India's maritime sector is moving forward with rapid speed and energy. The year 2025 has been a very important year for India's maritime sector. In the year 2024-25, India's major ports have created a new record by handling the highest-ever cargo so far. Not only this, but for the first time, an Indian port has also initiated a megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility, and Kandla Port has accomplished this achievement," he said.
PM Modi further added that over 150 initiatives have been launched, resulting in significant improvements across the maritime sector.
"The Coastal Shipping Act has been designed in such a way that it facilitates easier trade and strengthens supply chain security. Under the Maritime India Vision, over 150 initiatives have been launched, resulting in significant improvements across the maritime sector. The capacity of India's major ports has doubled, and turnaround times have been significantly reduced. Additionally, cruise tourism has gained substantial momentum. Inland waterways have experienced remarkable growth, with cargo movement increasing by more than 700 per cent," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also dedicated Investment MoUs and launched key initiatives for the shipping and shipbuilding sector at the Maritime Leaders' Conclave.
"India is making remarkable strides in the shipping industry, particularly in the development of human resources. Over the past decade, the number of Indian seafarers has grown significantly, increasing from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh. Today, India ranks among the top three countries in the world in terms of the total number of seafarers," PM Modi added.
India Maritime Week 2025 serves as the Government of India's premier global platform to translate this vision into action, bringing together leading stakeholders across shipping, ports, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and blue economy finance.
Held from 27th to 31st October 2025 under the theme "Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision", IMW 2025 will showcase India's strategic roadmap to emerge as a global maritime hub and a leader in the Blue Economy. IMW 2025 will draw participation from over 85 countries, featuring more than 1,00,000 delegates, 500+ exhibitors and 350+ international speakers.
Meanwhile, on October 27, after inaugurating the 'India Maritime Week - 2025', Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Modi's maritime policy has evolved into MAHASAGAR (Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions), which has become a symbol of India's growing global footprint.
Shah emphasised that Prime Minister Modi's vision of transforming "Sagar" into "Mahasagar" will propel India toward becoming a global leader in this sector by 2047. To achieve this, the PM Modi government has increased the budget sixfold, raising it from 40 million dollars to 230 million dollars. (ANI)
