In light of rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a “rules-based” maritime order, emphasizing a secure and collaborative environment. He highlighted India’s commitment to shared prosperity through equitable access to maritime resources, reinforcing the significance of the upcoming India-EU Green Shipping Corridor initiative.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his willingness to work together on transforming Visakhapatnam into a major maritime industrial hub. During an event at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, he highlighted the city’s strategic advantages and stressed the need for India to enhance its shipyard capabilities globally.
India is negotiating maritime agreements with Liberia and Panama to reduce reliance on foreign-flagged ships, currently comprising 95% of its trade volume. This initiative includes a ₹69,725 crore investment in domestic shipbuilding, aiming to enhance India’s maritime capabilities amid rising threats in the Strait of Hormuz and recent attacks on vessels.
The Deendayal Port Authority recently hosted the Kandla Forum 2026, focusing on maritime decarbonisation. Over 200 executives convened to explore opportunities in green hydrogen and alternative marine fuels. Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh highlighted Kandla’s capabilities, emphasizing investment in clean energy initiatives and the significance of partnerships for advancing India’s maritime energy transition.
H.E. Essa Kazim, Executive Chairman of DP World, visited India on October 7, 2026, to strengthen ties with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. Discussions focused on port infrastructure and the Vadhavan Port project. Kazim also inaugurated Phase 2 of the Nhava Sheva Business Park, enhancing logistics capabilities with a ₹500 crore investment.
On October 5, 2026, the DLB Patkai barge set sail from Dibrugarh, carrying 540 metric tonnes of methanol to Bangladesh. This milestone marks the first commercial cargo movement from Upper Assam to a foreign port since Independence, reviving river transport and enhancing cross-border connectivity between India and Bangladesh.
India has condemned the recent attack on the Panama-flagged vessel MT On Peace in the Strait of Hormuz, which injured 12 crew members, including 11 Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs stressed the urgent need to stop such assaults, emphasizing their impact on civilian safety and maritime security amidst rising tensions.
India has condemned the projectile attack on the Panama-flagged vessel MT On Peace in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring 12 crew members, including 11 Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need to protect civilian maritime infrastructure and called for an immediate end to hostilities to ensure regional stability.
India is engaging in discussions with Russia and Ukraine to enhance Black Sea shipping safety, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He emphasized India’s advocacy for maritime safety, particularly in light of attacks threatening commercial shipping. Cooperation aims to ensure grain and energy exports amid ongoing regional conflicts.
India has condemned the attack on MV ROYAD MAMMADOV in the Black Sea, which resulted in two seafarer deaths. Fortunately, all three Indian nationals aboard are safe, though some crew members were injured. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need for dialogue to ensure maritime security and protect global commerce.
Rahul Modi has been appointed Chairman of the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) as announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on October 2, 2026. Modi, previously President of the Coastal Container Transporters Association, succeeds Devki Nandan. Maneesh Pradhan was elected Vice Chairman, marking a new leadership era for the IMC.
India and Cyprus held their inaugural Joint Maritime Committee meeting in Limassol on September 29, co-chaired by officials from both nations. This pivotal gathering, under the 2017 Agreement on Merchant Shipping, focused on maritime education, investment opportunities, and collaboration, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral maritime relations.
Port and maritime unions are urgently calling for stricter safety measures to protect Indian seafarers navigating conflict-affected shipping routes. Rising security threats and recent disruptions have heightened concerns over their safety. Unions demand improved risk assessments, better communication, and comprehensive support for crews operating in high-risk areas to ensure their well-being.
At the 65th anniversary celebration of the Shipping Corporation of India in Mumbai, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted SCI’s essential role in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities. He underscored the need for a robust Indian-owned fleet to achieve national goals, especially in shipbuilding, energy security, and trade, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Currently, 163 Indian seafarers are aboard 12 vessels in the Persian Gulf, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. Six vessels are Indian-flagged, while the others are foreign-flagged, carrying cargo to India. The Ministry of Shipping is actively ensuring their safety and well-being amid regional tensions.
