Indians Make Up 10% of Global Seafarers

In 2014, India had 1,699 women seafarers, which increased to 10,440 by 2023, representing a 514% growth in registered female Indian seafarers, as reported by Harsh Vardhan Shringla, India’s former foreign secretary. Additionally, the number of active Indian seafarers rose from 117,090 in 2014 to almost 300,000 currently, showcasing India’s significant potential in the maritime sector.

Speaking at the ninth convocation of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai, Shringla indicated the institution’s commitment to educating and training individuals in various maritime areas such as navigation, marine engineering, maritime law, and marine management. The event celebrated the graduation of 1,974 students, including doctoral and research scholars, under the leadership of Dr. Malini V Shankar, the vice chancellor of IMU.

India is positioned as the world’s third-largest supplier of seafarers after China and the Philippines, with Indian seafarers constituting approximately 10% of the global maritime workforce, as highlighted by Shringla. He emphasized the importance of India’s maritime heritage and its resurgence in reclaiming a prominent role in the maritime sphere, amidst global conflicts affecting trade routes and economies dependent on maritime transactions. Additionally, Shringla acknowledged the crucial role played by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding the seas, combating piracy, and ensuring security in the Indian Ocean region.

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