Why in news?

PM Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. He welcomed participants from over 85 countries, noting the event’s evolution from a national forum in 2016 to a global summit.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India’s Maritime Strength and Economic Potential
• India Maritime Week 2025 – A Global Maritime Showcase
• PM Modi’s Address at India Maritime Week 2025: Key Highlights

India’s Maritime Strength and Economic Potential

• India’s 11,000 km-long coastline and 13 coastal states and Union Territories contribute nearly 60% of the national GDP.
• The nation’s 23.7 lakh sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) attracts global investors, supporting 800 million residents in maritime regions.
• The 38 countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) account for about 12% of global exports.

India Maritime Week 2025 – A Global Maritime Showcase

• India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, held recently in Mumbai, is India’s premier global maritime event under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision.”
• The event aims to showcase India’s roadmap to becoming a global maritime hub and a leader in the Blue Economy.
• This was the fourth edition of the summit. In 2016, the maiden India Maritime Week was held in Mumbai itself. Now, it has become a global summit. 
• It served as a global convergence point for shipping, ports, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and blue economy finance, driving collaboration for a sustainable maritime future.

PM Modi’s Address at India Maritime Week 2025: Key Highlights

• PM Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
• During his address he highlighted India’s maritime transformation, global partnerships, and future ambitions for the blue economy.
• Several MoUs worth lakhs of crores were signed, reflecting global confidence in India’s maritime capabilities.
• India’s Vision for its Maritime Transformation
  • India is committed to transform its maritime sector through the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
  • This long-term vision rests on four strategic pillars:
    • Port-led development
    • Shipping and shipbuilding
    • Seamless logistics
    • Maritime skill-building
  • The goal is to position India as a leading global maritime power.
• Major Achievements in India’s Maritime Sector (2024–25)
  • Vizhinjam Port, India’s first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, became operational, hosting the world’s largest container vessel.
  • Kandla Port launched India’s first megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility.
  • JNPT doubled its capacity with the start of Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal, marking the largest FDI in India’s port infrastructure.
  • India’s major ports handled record cargo volumes, showcasing unprecedented efficiency.
• Next-Generation Reforms in Maritime Governance
  • Outdated colonial-era shipping laws replaced with modern legislation empowering State Maritime Boards, promoting digitization, and enhancing safety and sustainability.
  • The new Merchant Shipping Act aligns Indian regulations with global conventions, improving trust, ease of business, and investment climate.
  • The Coastal Shipping Act simplifies trade, ensures supply chain security, and promotes balanced coastal development.
  • Introduction of One Nation, One Port Process to standardize port procedures and reduce documentation.
• Decade of Transformation under Maritime India Vision
  • Over 150 new initiatives launched under the Maritime India Vision.
  • Major ports’ capacity doubled, turnaround time reduced, and cruise tourism expanded.
  • Inland waterway cargo movement rose by 700%, and operational waterways increased from 3 to 32.
  • The net annual surplus of ports grew ninefold in ten years.
• Efficiency and Global Recognition
  • Indian ports now rank among the most efficient in the developing world, outperforming many in the developed world.
  • Container dwell time reduced to under 3 days, and vessel turnaround time cut from 96 to 48 hours.
  • India improved its position in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
  • The number of Indian seafarers increased from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh, making India one of the top three seafaring nations globally.
• Focus on Blue Economy and Green Growth
  • Emphasis on Blue Economy, sustainable coastal development, green logistics, and coastal industrial clusters.
  • Government prioritizing shipbuilding as a national growth driver, with a ₹70,000 crore investment to boost shipyard capacity, greenfield/brownfield projects, and maritime employment.
  • Large ships have been granted infrastructure asset status, enabling easier financing and reduced interest costs.
• Visionary Maritime Heritage and New Port Projects
  • PM Modi recalled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s maritime legacy, emphasizing that seas should be seen as gateways to opportunity.
  • Announced construction of a new mega port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, part of India’s effort to quadruple port capacity and increase containerized cargo share.
• Global Cooperation and Strategic Role of India
  • India aims to strengthen global supply chain resilience and become a “steady lighthouse” amid global uncertainty.
  • Highlighted India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor as a project redefining trade routes and promoting clean energy logistics.
  • Reaffirmed India’s commitment to empowering Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries through technology, training, and infrastructure.