India is preparing for one of its most ambitious maritime showcases as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled from October 27–31 in Mumbai. The Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address at the Global Maritime CEO Forum, a gathering of global shipping and logistics leaders expected to draw participation from over 100 countries and 100,000 stakeholders.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, speaking at the Water Voyage Northeast 2025 conference in Guwahati, described the event as a “historic opportunity to showcase India’s maritime strength to the world.” He said Prime Minister Modi’s presence will reinforce India’s role as a trusted partner in global maritime trade and a leader in sustainable shipping reforms.
Maritime Transformation Since 2014
Sonowal highlighted how India’s maritime sector has undergone rapid transformation under Modi’s leadership. Flagship initiatives like Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 have modernized ports, boosted inland waterways, and expanded shipping capacity.
- Port capacity has nearly doubled, with 1,600 MMT cargo handling capacity.
- Turnaround time at ports has reduced to 22 hours, matching global benchmarks.
- Cargo movement on inland waterways has grown nearly eight-fold since 2014.
Green initiatives, including the Harit Sagar policy and Harit Nauka programme, are driving a shift towards renewable energy and eco-friendly vessels. The recently launched Jalvahak Scheme is incentivising predictable and sustainable cargo transport along National Waterways.
Northeast at the Forefront
The Union Minister also unveiled plans for two luxury cruise ships on the Brahmaputra, being built with an investment of ₹250 crore and scheduled for launch in 2027. These vessels, part of the Cruise Bharat Mission, will transform Assam into a global river tourism destination.
More than ₹1,000 crore has been invested in inland waterway infrastructure in the Northeast, including a ship repair facility at Pandu, new tourist jetties, and a Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh to train 5,000 maritime professionals.
Cruise Bharat Mission and Tourism Push
India’s Cruise Bharat Mission, launched in 2024, aims to build 100 river cruise terminals, 10 sea cruise terminals, and five marinas by 2029, effectively doubling passenger traffic. Today, 25 cruise vessels already operate across national waterways, 14 of which are on the Brahmaputra.
A Trillion-Rupee Opportunity
India Maritime Week 2025 is set to unveil nearly ₹1 trillion in investment opportunities, covering shipbuilding, port-led connectivity, eco-friendly logistics, and coastal development. By 2047, India aims to handle 10,000 MMT of EXIM cargo and 500 MMT via inland waterways, making it one of the world’s top five shipbuilding nations.
Concluding his address, Mr Sonowal said: “India Maritime Week 2025 is not just an event, it is a movement. It represents India’s vision of becoming globally competitive, digitally empowered, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive in maritime trade. We invite the world to join us in this voyage of confidence, commerce, and connectivity.”
