Shippingtelegraph: India’s maritime investment roadmap of $1 trillion ready

India has unveiled a $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap to transform the country’s ports, shipping and logistics ecosystem, union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday.

The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways hosted envoys from 28 countries, industry leaders and multilateral representatives at an Ambassadors’ Roundtable in Delhi on August 27 to build partnerships ahead of India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled to be held from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai.

The event, chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted India’s growing role in global maritime trade, sustainable shipping, and the blue economy.

Sonowal urged global partners to view India as a hub for investment and innovation, highlighting the government’s $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap.

Underlining the opportunities in India’s maritime sector, Sonowal said work is underway to transform the country’s ports, shipping and logistics ecosystem, adding that multimodal terminals, maritime services, shipbuilding, ship recycling and ship repairs will be in focus.

“These opportunities open up a $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap, with strong potential for 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.”

“India’s maritime journey is entering a new chapter,” the union minister told the gathering.

The minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur also highlighted reforms in port modernisation, inland waterways, green and digital shipping, and called for greater private sector involvement.

“Ports are not just gateways of prosperity, but gateways of India’s future,” Thakur said, adding that global players are joining hands with Indian counterparts in shipbuilding, port modernisation, smart logistics, and green shipping.

A presentation by ministry of ports, shipping and waterways joint secretary Shri R. Laxmanan showcased opportunities in mega projects such as Vadhavan Port, Galathea Bay Transshipment Port and Tuna Tekra Terminal, along with investments in LNG bunkering, shipbuilding, ship recycling, and maritime industrial parks.

The discussions also focused on India’s core maritime priorities, including strengthening shipbuilding capacity and port-led development.

Delegates highlighted the scope of the blue economy, along with the need to accelerate the transition to green shipping through hydrogen-powered and low-emission vessels.

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