The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways held an Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in New Delhi, gathering envoys from 28 countries to prepare for India Maritime Week 2025. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized India’s goal of becoming a global maritime hub with a $1 trillion investment roadmap, focusing on sustainable shipping initiatives.
On August 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India’s commitment to enhancing Fiji’s maritime security during a joint press conference. He emphasized defense cooperation, particularly in cybersecurity, and welcomed Fiji’s role in regional stability. Modi also announced plans for medical initiatives in Fiji, aiming to strengthen ties and promote community welfare.
During the Monsoon Session, India’s Parliament passed five landmark maritime legislations, the first major reform in over a century. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that these laws, including the Bills of Lading and Merchant Shipping Bill, will modernize the maritime framework, boost the Blue Economy, and enhance global trade standards.
The Indian government is poised to grant the shipping industry infrastructure status, anticipated within two weeks. This classification will provide shipping companies access to long-term financing, easing expansion and order fulfillment. By addressing financial challenges, the initiative aims to boost domestic shipbuilding and elevate India’s global standing in maritime trade.
In a transformative move for India’s maritime sector, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has partnered with Vadhvan Port and TUTR Hyperloop to explore high-speed cargo transport using Hyperloop technology. This initiative aims to revolutionize logistics by reducing transit times, boosting efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in Indian trade.
The Two-Day Training Program on Methanol Bunkering, inaugurated by Nilabhra Dasgupta, IRS, aims to prepare the workforce for future clean fuel operations. This initiative, part of the Deendayal Kaushal Vikas Program, aligns with India’s Green Maritime Vision, enhancing skills for a sustainable maritime industry focused on cleaner fuel alternatives.
India and Saudi Arabia have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) to enhance maritime cooperation in shipping and logistics. This initiative, resulting from a high-level virtual meeting, is designed to improve bilateral relations, focusing on maritime trade, port infrastructure, and logistics, strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
The Plate Cutting Ceremony for the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai. These 117-meter vessels, capable of 23 knots, enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s maritime security with advanced technologies, aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision for self-reliance in defense.
India plans to expand DP World’s operational concession at the Nhava Sheva container terminal to enhance commercial growth at the nation’s busiest port. This initiative aims for uninterrupted operations and comes as industry sources consider an early renewal of DP World’s current concession, set to expire in 2028, to secure investments.
Indian seafarers constitute the largest group of abandoned crew globally, with 899 out of 3,133 reported cases in 2024. Many remain stranded for months on vessels like the Anka cargo ship, facing dire conditions. The prevalence of “flags of convenience” complicates accountability, highlighting the urgent need for better regulatory oversight.
Tensions are rising over tariffs as the U.S. strongly opposes the proposed Net-Zero Framework, a Global Carbon Tax backed by India and China. The U.S. warns against any agreements that may harm its economy. In April, India and 62 nations voted in favor of the tax aimed at emission reductions.
The Indian government plans to boost the Maritime Development Fund to 70,000 billion rupees, enhancing long-term financing for the maritime sector. By 2047, the sector’s value is expected to reach $940 billion, driven by advancements in shipping and shipbuilding. New incentives and subsidies aim to position India among the top shipbuilding nations.
The Indian Parliament has enacted the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, replacing the outdated 1958 Act. Approved by the Rajya Sabha on August 11, this legislation aligns India’s maritime sector with global standards, enhancing safety, seafarer welfare, and streamlining ship registration processes. It introduces stringent safety protocols and promotes digitalization in maritime operations.
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla has launched a tender for India’s first port-based bio-methanol production facility. This project aims to produce 10 tonnes per day using advanced gasification technology. It aligns with global decarbonization efforts and positions Kandla as a leader in green energy for the maritime sector.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has proposed a framework to enhance disaster response for ships in Indian waters. This will require vessels to secure contracts with approved salvage companies before entering ports, allowing for quicker mobilization within 12 hours, aiming to improve maritime safety and readiness for emergencies.
