Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a transformative phase in India’s maritime history during his address at the India Maritime Week. He highlighted that the maritime sector symbolizes India’s strength, stability, and sustainability, declaring it as “India’s maritime moment.” Shah emphasized the potential of the Gateway of India to evolve into the “Gateway of the World,” reflecting India’s growing significance on the global maritime stage.
Pointing to the deep structural reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah stated that India is emerging as a formidable force in global maritime affairs. He noted the country’s strategic location, extensive coastline, and the advantages these confer, with India boasting an 11,000-kilometer coastline and a vast exclusive economic zone. Coastal states contribute significantly to the economy, with around 60% of GDP coming from these regions and approximately 800 million people relying on the sea for their livelihoods.
Shah stressed that the government’s maritime policy, inspired by PM Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aims to position India as a global maritime hub. He underscored the importance of cooperation over competition in enhancing maritime strength and advocated for a sustainable, green maritime future.
Additionally, the $5 billion Great Nicobar Island Development Project is set to boost maritime trade significantly. Launched in 2021, this ambitious initiative aims to transform the island in the Bay of Bengal. With ongoing projects like Sagar, Sagarmala, Gati Shakti, and Samudrayan, India is rapidly enhancing its maritime infrastructure, positioning itself among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations and developing new ports, including Vadhavan, which is expected to rank among the top 10 globally.
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