Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday outlined green shipping, port modernisation, and the creation of 15 million jobs as key growth areas under India’s maritime vision for Viksit Bharat@2047.
Planned investments worth ₹80 trillion, the creation of 15 million jobs, and a decisive push towards green shipping are part of India’s strategy to achieve global maritime leadership by 2047, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in Mumbai on Tuesday.
“The maritime sector of India is also aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, and by 2047, we aim to witness large-scale investments, world-class infrastructure, and enhanced global competitiveness across our blue economy,” Sonowal said. “This opens vast avenues for international collaboration, including a $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap.”
Addressing the media ahead of the five-day India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled from October 27-31 in Mumbai, Sonowal said the country’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision is anchored on prosperity, sustainability, and pride in heritage.
“IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects and commitments into partnerships,” he said. “India stands ready to collaborate and lead towards a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive.”
Sonowal said the vision is already translating into results, with cargo movement on inland waterways growing eightfold since 2014, turnaround time at major ports reducing by 60 per cent, and more than ₹5.5 trillion worth of Sagarmala projects reshaping coastal logistics. India now supplies 12 per cent of the world’s seafarers, reflecting both its scale and maritime skill leadership.
With all 12 major ports set to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2047, and green energy transition targets for 2035 already underway, the focus is shifting toward a sustainable and technology-driven maritime future.
India Maritime Week 2025
India Maritime Week 2025 is expected to draw over 100,000 delegates and 500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, including ministerial delegations from Singapore, the UAE, South Korea, Japan, and Denmark.
Key international organisations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UNESCAP, leading Indian states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and major industry players such as Adani Ports and Logistics, Cochin Shipyard, and Paradip Port Authority are also expected to participate.
As the flagship event of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, IMW will showcase the latest advancements in maritime technology, port development, logistics, and sustainability. The summit aims to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and strengthen international partnerships to shape the future of India’s maritime sector and its role in global trade and blue economy growth.