New Delhi: Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday stated that India’s overall cargo shipments have not declined despite the US imposing a steep 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. Highlighting the significance of maritime trade, Sonowal noted that nearly 90 percent of India’s foreign trade by volume and 70 percent by value is transported via sea routes.
Trade Relations with the US
India and the US have been negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) since March, completing five rounds of discussions. The sixth round, originally scheduled for August 25, has been deferred following the imposition of additional duties. So far, India’s exports to the US continue to grow, rising 21.64 percent to USD 33.53 billion during April-July 2025, while imports increased 12.33 percent to USD 17.41 billion, making the US India’s largest trading partner in this period.
VOC Port Green Hydrogen Initiatives
At VOC Port, Tuticorin, Sonowal paid tribute to freedom fighter VO Chidambaranar on his 154th birth anniversary and inaugurated a pilot green hydrogen project with a capacity of 10 Nm³/hr. Established at a cost of Rs 3.87 crore, the project will produce green hydrogen to power street lights and an electric vehicle charging facility in the port colony, making VOC Port the first port in India to generate green hydrogen.
Future-Ready Port Projects
Sonowal highlighted that VOC Port is poised to become India’s Green Hydrogen and Ammonia hub, supporting renewable energy and green bunkering. He also laid the foundation stone for the Pilot Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility, a Rs 35.34 crore project with 750 m³ capacity, promoting alternative fuels in line with the planned Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin.
Economic and Employment Impact
The minister emphasized that these initiatives will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost trade, and attract global investments. He added that Tamil Nadu’s maritime and port sector will play a key role in India’s goal of achieving a USD 5 trillion economy by 2027 and a USD 1 trillion economy from Tamil Nadu alone by 2030.
Sonowal expressed confidence in India’s maritime sector, stating that the ongoing projects and capacity augmentation at VOC Port signal unprecedented progress, supporting sustainable trade, alternative fuels, and long-term economic growth.
Read also: Sonowal Says India’s Maritime Sector Charts Green Future Under Maritime India Vision 2030
