India aims to meet global demand for large ships, including VLCCs, container vessels, and Panamax ships, according to Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Indian shipbuilders will leverage global partnerships and technology transfers to secure orders for large vessels not previously produced in the country, backed by a ₹25,000 crore shipbuilding scheme initiated in September 2025.
The Indian government has approved a ₹70,000-crore maritime development reform package, focusing on four main pillars: financial assistance for shipbuilding, a maritime investment fund, the establishment of shipping clusters, and legal reforms for dispute resolution. Major South Korean firms, such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries, have expressed interest in collaborating with Indian shipbuilders, further enhancing the country’s capabilities.
To bolster maritime infrastructure, the government plans to increase port capacity from 2,771 mtpa in 2024-25 to approximately 3,500 mtpa by 2030, which will facilitate key projects like Vadhvan Port and the Tuna Tekra Container Terminal. Additionally, the operationalization of 20 new national waterways is on track to improve logistics and connectivity.
