New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in the capital on Tuesday. The meeting brought together envoys from 28 countries, along with senior officials, industry leaders, and multilateral representatives. The session marked the run-up to India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai.
Strengthening Global Maritime Collaboration
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the event and underlined India’s growing role in global trade, sustainable shipping, and the blue economy. He invited global partners to see India as a hub for investment and innovation, highlighting the government’s $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap.
“India’s maritime journey is entering a new chapter under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With transformative initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, our ports, shipping, and logistics ecosystem are becoming more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready,” Sonowal said.
Opportunities for Investment and Partnerships
Sonowal noted vast opportunities for joint ventures in port development, cargo terminal operations, multimodal transport, shipbuilding, ship recycling, and green hydrogen hubs. He stressed that India’s maritime expansion is aligned with sustainable shipping and global environmental goals.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur also addressed the gathering. He highlighted reforms in port modernisation, inland waterways, and digital shipping, urging greater private sector participation.
Maritime Sector Modernisation and Technology
“Ports are not just gateways of prosperity, but gateways of India’s future,” Thakur said, echoing the Prime Minister’s vision. He pointed to growing global partnerships in shipbuilding, smart logistics, and green shipping, noting the adoption of AI-driven logistics and automation that is making Indian ports globally competitive.
Showcasing Mega Projects
R. Laxmanan, Joint Secretary at MoPSW, made a presentation on upcoming mega projects, including Vadhavan Port, Galathea Bay Transshipment Port, and Tuna Tekra Terminal. Opportunities in green hydrogen hubs, LNG bunkering, shipbuilding, ship recycling, and maritime industrial parks were also showcased.
Delegates discussed shipbuilding capacity, port-led development, and the blue economy’s role in sustainable livelihoods. The focus also extended to digitalisation in logistics, low-emission vessels, and maritime financing through IFSC-GIFT City.
Reform-Driven Policy Framework
Envoys welcomed five new legislations introduced by the government the Bills of Lading Act, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Coastal Shipping Act, and Indian Ports Act. These reforms replace colonial-era laws and align India’s maritime framework with international best practices.
“IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects, and commitments into partnerships. India stands ready to collaborate and lead towards a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive,” Sonowal concluded.
The outcomes of the Roundtable will be incorporated into IMW 2025 to ensure the biennial event addresses global stakeholder priorities.
About India Maritime Week 2025
India Maritime Week is MoPSW’s biennial flagship event bringing together policymakers, investors, and thought leaders to shape the future of ports and logistics. The 2025 edition will be held from October 27–31 at NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, spotlighting India’s maritime growth through infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability.
Also Read: Sonowal Says India’s Maritime Sector Charts Green Future Under Maritime India Vision 2030
