Prominent Indian jurist Bimal Patel has been elected as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Currently a member of the UN International Law Commission, Patel also serves as Vice-Chancellor at Rashtriya Raksha University. His election underscores India’s commitment to multilateralism and maritime law principles.
The Andhra Pradesh government has officially moved the headquarters of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) to Amaravati from Kakinada. This decision, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency, follows a proposal from the Maritime Board’s CEO and includes relocating key offices and staff to streamline port development activities.
India’s first indigenous LNG tanker, the Disha, has successfully docked at the Dahej terminal in Gujarat after navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This landmark achievement enhances India’s energy logistics capabilities, supporting the nation’s efforts to secure energy supplies and reduce reliance on foreign vessels while strengthening local maritime operations.
The Indian Coast Guard has launched its first indigenous hovercraft from Chowgule Shipyard, Goa, enhancing domestic shipbuilding and coastal defense. This high-speed craft is designed for rapid deployment in challenging terrain, supporting missions like surveillance and search and rescue, and aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative for self-reliance.
Gujarat has launched a shipbuilding subsidy of up to ₹50 crore for local shipyards, aiming to boost India’s maritime industry. This initiative offers financial support of 8% on eligible expenses, enhancing shipyard infrastructure and promoting domestic vessel production. It aligns with national efforts to position India among the top shipbuilding nations by 2047.
Kerala has launched Mission Samudra, a ₹400 crore initiative from the revised 2026–27 Budget, aimed at establishing a port-led economy and transforming the state into a global maritime hub. Key developments include enhancing infrastructure around Kochi and Vizhinjam, fostering maritime tourism, logistics, and industry through public-private partnerships.
Chennai Port is set to unveil its upgraded cruise terminal following a ₹29.8 crore modernization project. Under the Cruise Bharat Mission, the terminal’s capacity has increased from 1,000 to 1,800 passengers. Key improvements include enhanced immigration facilities, modernized interiors, and dedicated customs areas, positioning Chennai as a key cruise tourism hub.
The Centre updated on the Persian Gulf maritime situation, confirming the safe repatriation of over 3,639 Indian seafarers. Director Opesh Kumar Sharma highlighted ongoing safety measures for vessels and crews. In the past 72 hours, 47 seafarers returned home, and operations in Indian ports remain stable, with no congestion reported.
The body of Shivanand Chaurasia, an Indian seafarer killed in a US military strike, has returned to his village in Deoria. His family mourns deeply, demanding justice, including ₹1 crore compensation and martyr status. They initially refused last rites, seeking a second post-mortem amid their grief and demands for accountability.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, backed by a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee. This initiative aims to provide continuous maritime insurance for Indian trade, covering various risks. Additionally, a 2% increase in dearness allowance for Central government employees and pensioners was also approved, benefitting millions.
At the G7 summit in France, US President Trump praised his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, highlighting ongoing US-India trade talks. Modi raised safety concerns for Indian seafarers in the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Trump acknowledged the risks, reaffirming US-India cooperation and support for Indian maritime crews.
At the G7 summit in France, Prime Minister Modi raised urgent concerns about maritime security after a US military strike killed three Indian sailors off Oman. Modi emphasized the need to protect Indian seafarers and global shipping, urging international cooperation amid mounting Middle Eastern tensions threatening vital energy trade routes.
India’s Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met with the 21 crew members of the MT Settebello before their repatriation, commendably acknowledging their resilience. He expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of three sailors during the attack and reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting Indian nationals in distress.
At the Maritime Reform Utsav, the Shipping Corporation of India announced plans to expand its fleet of Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). This initiative aims to enhance India’s energy supply chain by boosting LPG imports, reducing reliance on foreign vessels, and supporting cleaner energy transitions while lowering logistics costs.
The ambitious project in Nicobar, covering 166 square kilometers, aims to transform the region with an estimated cost of Rs. 80,000 crore. Key components include an international container transshipment terminal and a dual-use airport. This initiative seeks to enhance India’s maritime capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign ports for container transshipment.
