All 20 Filipino seafarers aboard the M/V MSC Elsa, which sank off Kochi, Kerala, are safe and awaiting repatriation. Currently in a local hotel, they maintain communication with families for support. The Department of Migrant Workers is coordinating with authorities to expedite their return to the Philippines.
During a recent UN Security Council debate, India highlighted the critical importance of maritime security and counter-terrorism. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish emphasized that these issues are essential for national security and economic interests, particularly in the evolving Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape, underscoring India’s commitment to responsible maritime governance.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping has enhanced the verification process for Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance certificates for vessels docking at its ports. This comes in response to previous incidents where claims were denied due to invalid certificates. Ships over 300 gross tonnage must now ensure valid P&I insurance coverage.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, plans a ₹840 billion ($10 billion) investment to acquire 112 oil tankers by 2040, aimed at boosting energy supply. The initiative includes enhancing domestic shipbuilding, with a goal to raise locally built tankers from 5% to 69% by 2047, aligning with its developmental aspirations.
In its 197th meeting, the Inland Waterways Authority of India approved a comprehensive plan to enhance the inland water transport sector, notably for National Waterway-2. Key initiatives include developing terminal infrastructure, navigation aids, and a skill development center, alongside improving vessel operations and establishing a link road to Pandu Terminal in Assam.
At the CSIR Startup Conclave 2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for coastal states to nurture marine sector startups, highlighting India’s 7,500 km coastline as a vast, untapped resource. He noted Mumbai’s strategic position and the rise of startups from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, showcasing a thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
Space-tech startup PierSight has successfully raised $8 million in total funding through a seed extension round, attracting investors like CE-Ventures and Sustainable Ocean Alliance. The investment will support the development of a satellite constellation for maritime intelligence, targeting issues like illegal fishing and marine pollution, with the first satellite launching in 2026.
India has signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives, committing MVR 100 million to enhance ferry services and maritime connectivity. These agreements, part of the High Impact Community Development Project Phase III, aim to uplift community livelihoods and strengthen the partnership between the two nations through improved infrastructure.
India is strategically enhancing its port infrastructure internationally, building on successes like Chabahar in Iran. Through Indian Ports Global LTD (IPGL), it targets African nations, especially Tanzania, for development projects. The goal is to elevate port capacity significantly, promoting India’s maritime presence while fostering global partnerships and cooperation.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ initiative to boost women’s participation in the maritime sector during the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, targeting 12% female representation in technical roles by 2030, aligning with the International Maritime Organisation’s theme for gender inclusion.
According to notice No. 05 of 2025 from the General Directorate for Shipping, all vessels entering Indian waters must present a valid Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance certificate. This requirement targets issues from unpaid premiums leading to rejected pollution claims. Certification must detail coverage for property damage, collision, and oil contamination.
VOC Port is leading the way in sustainability through green initiatives, operating a 5 MW orpotry drive, a 2 MW wind power plant, and a 1.04 MW rooftop solar system. Forecasts show these efforts will generate 12.65 million units of Green Power, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting India’s green transition.
In an effort to strengthen its shipbuilding industry, the Indian government is allocating over Rs 20,000 crore for the second phase of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy. This includes establishing four new shipbuilding hubs in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, crucial for meeting domestic vessel demands.
The Indian government is developing shipbuilding facilities in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step in maritime industry growth. A partnership with South Korea’s HD Hyundai aims to enhance local production of large ships for intercontinental trade, particularly at Thoothukudi, projected to be worth £10,000 billion.
India has authorized three Russian insurers, including Sberbank’s insurance unit, to provide marine coverage for ships at its ports. This decision supports Moscow’s oil supplies to India, its largest seaborne oil market after China. The permits for these insurers are valid until February 20, 2026, despite ongoing sanctions.
