During the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on maritime security, India’s Ambassador P. Harish emphasized the nation’s proactive strategy to address maritime challenges. He highlighted India’s initiatives against piracy and search-and-rescue operations, advocating for global cooperation to ensure a secure maritime environment, particularly in the Arabian Sea.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping has enhanced the verification process for Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance certificates for vessels docking at its ports. This comes in response to previous incidents where claims were denied due to invalid certificates. Ships over 300 gross tonnage must now ensure valid P&I insurance coverage.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, plans a ₹840 billion ($10 billion) investment to acquire 112 oil tankers by 2040, aimed at boosting energy supply. The initiative includes enhancing domestic shipbuilding, with a goal to raise locally built tankers from 5% to 69% by 2047, aligning with its developmental aspirations.
In its 197th meeting, the Inland Waterways Authority of India approved a comprehensive plan to enhance the inland water transport sector, notably for National Waterway-2. Key initiatives include developing terminal infrastructure, navigation aids, and a skill development center, alongside improving vessel operations and establishing a link road to Pandu Terminal in Assam.
The Maharashtra government has launched a new shipbuilding policy to enhance maritime infrastructure and promote ship repair and recycling. The Maharashtra Shipbuilding, Ship Repair, and Ship Recycling Facility Development Policy 2025 aims to attract investments, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign shipyards, aligning with the central government’s Maritime India Vision 2030.
On May 18, 2025, Adani Gangavaram Port achieved a record-breaking productivity milestone, handling 193,588 MTs in just 24 hours. This remarkable feat reflects significant advancements in operational efficiency, fueled by recent infrastructure enhancements. With ongoing investments, the port is poised for even greater achievements in the shipping and logistics sectors.
At the CSIR Startup Conclave 2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for coastal states to nurture marine sector startups, highlighting India’s 7,500 km coastline as a vast, untapped resource. He noted Mumbai’s strategic position and the rise of startups from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, showcasing a thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced an additional Rs 1,000 crore for inland waterways projects in Assam and the Northeast, aiming for completion by 2026. He emphasized the development of maritime skills for the local workforce and reviewed key infrastructure projects along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, enhancing regional transportation and tourism.
Space-tech startup PierSight has successfully raised $8 million in total funding through a seed extension round, attracting investors like CE-Ventures and Sustainable Ocean Alliance. The investment will support the development of a satellite constellation for maritime intelligence, targeting issues like illegal fishing and marine pollution, with the first satellite launching in 2026.
India has signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives, committing MVR 100 million to enhance ferry services and maritime connectivity. These agreements, part of the High Impact Community Development Project Phase III, aim to uplift community livelihoods and strengthen the partnership between the two nations through improved infrastructure.
India is strategically enhancing its port infrastructure internationally, building on successes like Chabahar in Iran. Through Indian Ports Global LTD (IPGL), it targets African nations, especially Tanzania, for development projects. The goal is to elevate port capacity significantly, promoting India’s maritime presence while fostering global partnerships and cooperation.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ initiative to boost women’s participation in the maritime sector during the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, targeting 12% female representation in technical roles by 2030, aligning with the International Maritime Organisation’s theme for gender inclusion.
The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) is targeting growth in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, while also focusing on the domestic market. With major expansions from AMNS India, JSW Group, and Adani Group necessitating maintenance services, DCI is strategically positioned to capitalize on these emerging opportunities in infrastructure development.
According to notice No. 05 of 2025 from the General Directorate for Shipping, all vessels entering Indian waters must present a valid Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance certificate. This requirement targets issues from unpaid premiums leading to rejected pollution claims. Certification must detail coverage for property damage, collision, and oil contamination.
On May 11, 2025, an Iraqi cargo ship docked at Karwar port, carrying bitumen. The crew included 13 Indians and three foreign nationals. Due to regional tensions, the Pakistani and Syrian members were barred from disembarking. Authorities conducted security checks, confiscating their phones but found no suspicious materials.
