India has condemned the attack on the Panama-flagged vessel MT El Gaia off Oman, which left one Indian seafarer missing. The MEA decried threats to civilians and called for urgent restoration of maritime safety. Thirteen crew were rescued, while search continues amid rising regional attacks on Indian seafarers.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully intercepted the vessel IFB Gauri Ganesh off Mumbai’s coast, seizing around ₹10 lakh in unaccounted cash and illegal liquor. Following intelligence reports of smuggling activities, ICG Ship Sankalp was deployed, leading to the discovery of hidden contraband. The investigation continues with multiple agencies involved.
At least 173 Indian seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf amid escalating attacks on commercial shipping. Recent incidents involving three vessels have raised safety concerns for Indian crews. India is actively monitoring the situation and advocating for seafarer safety while emphasizing the need to keep maritime routes open for global trade.
In September, India’s maritime sector made notable strides as the government advanced its Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. With 38 registered ship lessors managing 43 vessels, including 24 under the Indian flag, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted these developments at the India Ship Leasing Summit.
During Friday’s meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the essential need to protect navigational freedom and maritime commerce. Modi emphasized dialogue as a means to resolve disputes, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional stability amidst rising tensions and recent attacks affecting Indian nationals in the area.
Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for dry dock repairs of its fleet. This collaboration aims to enhance vessel maintenance efficiency and operational readiness, ensuring timely servicing at CSL’s facilities across India, thereby bolstering DCI’s maritime capabilities.
At the India Ship Leasing and Financing Summit in Gandhinagar, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted India’s maritime heritage and its ambition to establish GIFT City as a global maritime hub. Emphasizing reforms and financial initiatives, he outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing ship ownership and financing, positioning India for significant growth in the sector.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has formed a 50:50 joint venture with Drydocks World Dubai FZCO to manage its International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi. The venture, valued at Rs 1,800 crore, will enhance ship repair capabilities and align with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, pending approvals by key authorities.
The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has partnered with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Mangalore to establish bunkering services for ships. This five-year agreement aims to enhance fuel supply efficiency for vessels, improving maritime operations at New Mangalore Port significantly.
On September 9, 2026, India launched the Ocean Research Vessel (ORV Sagar Manthan) at Rishi Bankim Shipyard in Kolkata, marking a pivotal moment in maritime technology. Inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, this state-of-the-art vessel represents India’s commitment to self-reliance in oceanographic research, set to replace the aging ORV Sagar Kanya.
India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Germany and Europe at the India Reception in Hamburg during SMM Hamburg 2026. The event, organized by the Consulate General, facilitated discussions among officials and industry leaders, focusing on innovation, sustainable practices, and a new Memorandum of Understanding to enhance bilateral collaboration.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the opening of a Mercantile Marine Department office in Guwahati, aimed at enhancing maritime education for Northeast students. This initiative will facilitate certification services, reducing travel costs and time. Sonowal emphasized the importance of debate in democracy and integrating the Northeast into India’s growth narrative.
The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has received the 25th Environment & Sustainability Award 2026 from the Greentech Foundation, recognizing its dedication to environmental protection and sustainable operations. The award highlights the port’s initiatives for cleaner infrastructure and the significant support of Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in advancing sustainability efforts.
Nationals from 172 countries can now benefit from India’s new e-group visa system, streamlining cruise travel and aiming to double traffic by 2029. This initiative simplifies entry for international cruise ships, enhances processing at ports, and positions India as a premier maritime hub, inviting travelers to explore its vibrant coastal destinations.
The Paradip Port Authority has achieved a milestone by berthing the MV Mineral Kwangyang, a Capesize vessel with a draft of 16.5 meters, at Western Dock-1. This successful operation, involving 152,702 MT of coking coal, enhances the port’s capacity for larger vessels, highlighting its critical role in regional economic growth.
