During the February 13 meeting in Jakarta, ASEAN and India emphasized maritime cooperation as a priority, focusing on sea safety, environmental protection, and adherence to international law in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines, chairing ASEAN, co-led discussions on the 2026 ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation aimed at enhancing regional collaboration.
This month, India detained three oil tankers suspected of indirect ties to Iran, prompting increased maritime surveillance. The Iranian National Oil Company denied connections to the vessels. The situation highlights the complexities of enforcing sanctions and the need for stringent monitoring to prevent illicit activities in regional waters.
The 2026 Union Budget aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, enhancing India’s inland waterways for sustainability and reduced logistics costs. The operationalization of 20 new National Waterways, especially NW-5 in Odisha, aims to connect resource-rich areas to ports, promoting maritime freight from 6% to 12% by 2047.
India is positioning itself to meet the global demand for large ships, such as VLCCs and container vessels, under a ₹25,000 crore shipbuilding scheme. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted partnerships with South Korean firms and a ₹70,000-crore maritime development package to enhance shipbuilding capabilities and port infrastructure.
In a significant move to strengthen India’s maritime regulatory framework, the government has initiated a comprehensive rule-making exercise. This includes the establishment of 14 Technical Committees to draft regulations under the new Coastal Shipping Act, Merchant Shipping Act, and Indian Ports Act, ensuring stakeholder engagement and transparency throughout the process.
India aims to boost its shipbuilding capacity, targeting a spot among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is poised to benefit from substantial investments and policy reforms. Director General of Shipping, Shyam Jagannathan, stressed the need to reduce dependence on foreign fleets amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has made history by becoming India’s first Major Port to receive the IGBC Platinum Rating, awarded for its commitment to sustainability. The Administration Building features rooftop solar panels, IoT water meters, and energy-efficient designs, successfully reducing water usage and promoting renewable energy sources while ensuring occupant health and safety.
An Indian government panel has granted preliminary approval for acquiring additional Rafale fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft, totaling billions of dollars. This decision, part of a broader defense initiative valued at approximately 3.6 trillion rupees, aims to enhance military capabilities and strengthen India’s strategic posture amid rising geopolitical tensions.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the vital partnership with Seychelles under the Vision Mahasagar initiative. He emphasized Seychelles’ strategic role in enhancing regional security, economic collaboration, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean, framing the nation as an “inalienable partner” in achieving shared stability and security objectives.
In a groundbreaking move for maritime security, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has introduced India’s first advanced Anti-Drone System. This system, featuring Radio Frequency and radar-based detection, enhances protection against unauthorized drones, ensuring robust operations. The initiative aligns with national security priorities, marking a significant step in safeguarding critical port infrastructure.
India’s Union Budget for 2026-27 continues to label major state-owned ports as “trusts,” overlooking reforms from the Major Port Authorities Act of 2021. This act aimed to grant autonomy to ports, replacing the trust model. Despite a 48% funding increase, inconsistencies in terminology and allocations raise concerns about strategic port management.
The Union Government has made strides in developing a domestic container ecosystem by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). This initiative, endorsed by Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to improve coordination among shipping, ports, and rail logistics, addressing exporters’ challenges.
India is set to enhance its shipping container manufacturing sector with a ₹10,000 crore investment over five years. This initiative, highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to decrease dependency on imports and meet rising demand for containerized cargo. Industry experts suggest targeted support could bridge existing cost gaps.
The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has announced a special purpose vehicle to establish a shipbuilding cluster in Tuticorin, enhancing India’s maritime sector. This joint venture, named the National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, aims to boost domestic shipbuilding capabilities, aligning with the Union Cabinet’s vision for maritime infrastructure growth.
The Indian government plans to introduce a new regulatory framework by early March, establishing the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA). This initiative aims to streamline oversight of the maritime sector, enhancing shipbuilding, port operations, and fleet management, aligning with India’s goal to strengthen its global shipping presence.
