India eyes $1-trillion maritime investments at Ambassadors’ Roundtable

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) convened the Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in New Delhi, bringing together envoys from 28 nations alongside senior officials, industry leaders and multilateral representatives to set the stage for India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled for October 27–31 in Mumbai.

Chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the meeting positioned India as a global hub for maritime trade, sustainable shipping and the blue economy. Sonowal called on global partners to participate in India’s $1-trillion maritime investment roadmap, spanning ports, logistics, shipbuilding and green energy.

“India’s maritime journey is entering a new chapter under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Sonowal said. “With initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, our ports, shipping and logistics ecosystem is becoming resilient, sustainable and future-ready.”

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

Deliberations underscored India’s core priorities: expanding shipbuilding capacity, accelerating the transition to green shipping through hydrogen-powered and low-emission vessels, and driving digitalisation in logistics for greater efficiency and transparency. The role of IFSC-GIFT City as a hub for maritime financing was also highlighted.

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

“IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas 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 said.

The outcomes of the Roundtable will feed into IMW 2025, ensuring that the biennial flagship event reflects global stakeholder priorities and advances India’s ambition to emerge as a leading maritime hub.