PM Modi Calls India the ‘Steady Lighthouse’ of Global Maritime Growth at India Maritime Week 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, reaffirming India’s commitment to a sustainable, modern, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem.

Welcoming delegates from over 85 countries, including CEOs of leading global shipping firms, policymakers, and innovators, the Prime Minister noted that India Maritime Week has evolved from a national event in 2016 into a global summit symbolizing maritime cooperation and innovation.

“In the 21st century, India’s maritime sector is advancing with great speed and energy,” said Prime Minister Modi, highlighting that 2025 has been a landmark year for the industry.

Major Announcements and Achievements

The Prime Minister announced a series of historic achievements and policy reforms:

• Vizhinjam Port, India’s first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, is now operational, having welcomed the world’s largest container vessel recently.

• Kandla Port launched India’s first megawatt-scale green hydrogen facility.

• JNPT commenced Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal, doubling its handling capacity — the result of India’s largest FDI in port infrastructure.

• India’s major ports handled their highest-ever cargo volumes in 2024–25.

• Colonial-era shipping laws, over a century old, have been replaced with modern legislation empowering State Maritime Boards and aligning India with global safety and trade standards.

Next-Generation Reforms and Investments

Underlining the transformation of India’s maritime governance, the Prime Minister said that the new Merchant Shipping Act and Coastal Shipping Act will simplify trade, strengthen supply chains, and boost ease of doing business.

He also unveiled a major shipbuilding initiative, declaring that large ships are now recognized as infrastructure assets — a move that opens new avenues for financing and credit access.

“Shipbuilding is now among India’s top priorities,” the Prime Minister emphasized. “We will invest nearly ₹70,000 crore to enhance domestic capacity, develop shipyards, build green maritime skills, and create millions of jobs.”

Ports and Performance Milestones

• PM Modi lauded India’s ports for their record-breaking efficiency:

• Average container dwell time has dropped below three days, outperforming several developed nations.

• Vessel turnaround time has been halved from 96 hours to 48 hours.

• Cargo movement on inland waterways has grown by 700%, and the number of operational waterways has increased from 3 to 32.

• The net annual surplus of Indian ports has risen ninefold in a decade.

“Today, India’s ports are among the most efficient in the developing world — in many cases, even better than those in the developed world,” the Prime Minister stated.

Vadhavan Mega Port and Global Partnerships

PM Modi announced the construction of a new port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, with an investment of ₹76,000 crore, aimed at quadrupling India’s port capacity and increasing its share in containerized cargo.

Reiterating that India allows 100% FDI in ports and shipping, he urged international investors to seize the opportunity.

“This is the right time to work and expand in India’s shipping sector,” he said.

India as a Steady Lighthouse

Calling India a “steady lighthouse” in turbulent global times, PM Modi said: “When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse — India is well poised to play that role with strength and stability.”

He emphasized India’s role in maintaining strategic autonomy, peace, and inclusive growth, citing initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, which will redefine trade routes and advance clean energy logistics.

Global Vision: Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047

India Maritime Week 2025, themed “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision”, serves as the global platform to realize Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, built on four pillars:

• Port-led development

• Shipping and shipbuilding

• Seamless logistics

• Maritime skill-building

The five-day event features 500+ exhibitors, 350+ international speakers, and participation from over 1,00,000 delegates representing 85 nations.

Conclusion

Concluding his address, PM Modi invoked the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, saying that the seas are not boundaries but gateways to opportunity. He called for collective action toward peace, progress, and prosperity, emphasizing India’s resolve to lead global maritime transformation with sustainability and strength.