Maritime News, Kolkata, India : India is poised to emerge as a leading global maritime and shipping hub by 2047, with the maritime sector positioned at the heart of the country’s export competitiveness and economic transformation, said Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Addressing the CII EXIM Conference 2026 in Kolkata, the Minister underscored that ports currently handle nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume and around 70% by value, making maritime infrastructure a strategic pillar of national growth.
Maritime Sector Central to Viksit Bharat Vision
The Minister emphasised that port-led development is integral to the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with maritime logistics acting as a force multiplier for India’s global trade ambitions.
“Nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume is handled through our ports. This clearly shows that the maritime sector is not merely a transport channel — it is a strategic enabler of India’s global trade ambitions,” he said.
With India targeting a USD 5 trillion economy and beyond, export competitiveness, logistics efficiency and infrastructure modernisation will define the next phase of economic expansion.
Port Modernisation and Logistics Efficiency
Over the past decade, India’s port capacity has more than doubled, with significant improvements in:
- Cargo handling productivity
- Mechanisation and digitalisation
- Reduction in vessel turnaround time
- Multimodal connectivity integration
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) continues to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening trade corridors, enhancing logistics performance and reducing transaction costs for exporters.
Renewed Push for Shipbuilding Leadership
The Minister also highlighted policy support for strengthening India’s shipbuilding ecosystem, noting that recent Union Budget measures emphasised both coastal and inland shipbuilding.
He stated that India’s strategic geographical position offers inherent advantages for global trade routes and maritime manufacturing.
“With sustained policy support and industry participation, India has the potential to emerge among the leading shipbuilding nations globally,” he said, adding that the right momentum could place India among the world’s top shipbuilding centres.
Industry Collaboration Key to Maritime Growth
Calling for deeper industry participation, Shri Thakur stressed that government initiatives must be complemented by private sector investment and innovation.
“With your efforts and support, we will move India forward and bring our maritime sector to the forefront,” he said, reaffirming the Government’s long-term commitment to building a globally competitive maritime ecosystem under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
Strategic Implication
The remarks at the CII EXIM Conference reflect a broader policy shift — positioning maritime infrastructure not just as logistics support, but as a strategic growth engine driving:
- Export expansion
- Industrial competitiveness
- Shipbuilding capacity
- Blue economy advancement
- Global maritime integration
As India approaches 2047, the maritime sector is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of economic sovereignty and global trade leadership.
