Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Address at the Maritime Leaders Conclave
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave in Mumbai on October 29, 2025, highlighting India's progress and reforms in the maritime sector.
India's Role in the Global Maritime Domain
PM Modi emphasized India's potential to act as a "steady lighthouse" amid global tensions, advocating for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor to redefine trade routes and promote clean energy and smart logistics.
Initiatives and Investments
- Launched initiatives in shipping and ship-building worth ₹2.2 lakh crore, including acquiring 437 vessels.
- Signed MoUs in areas such as port-led industrialization, port development, sustainability, and shipbuilding.
Global Participation and Achievements
- The fourth edition of the India Maritime Week saw participation from 85 countries.
- India's ports are noted for their efficiency, with significant cargo handling improvements.
- Cargo movement on inland waterways increased by over 700%, with operational waterways rising from 3 to 32.
Key Developments
- India's first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, Vizhinjam Port, is operational.
- Kandla Port launched a megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility.
- JNPT's Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal doubled handling capacity.
Legal and Policy Reforms
India replaced colonial shipping laws with modern, futuristic laws to facilitate ease of doing business, empower State Maritime Boards, and enhance port management digitization.
Investment and Future Prospects
- Announced an investment of ₹70,000 crore to enhance domestic capacity and promote shipbuilding.
- Large ships granted infrastructure asset status to open new financing avenues.
Global Collaboration and Challenges
The Prime Minister called for collective action against global challenges like climate change, supply chain disruptions, and maritime security.
Engagement with Industry Leaders
PM Modi met with CEOs of major logistics and shipping companies, discussing industry challenges and opportunities.