India’s maritime sector is set for a historic transformation with the government unveiling an ambitious ₹10 lakh crore investment roadmap at the upcoming India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, aimed at steering the nation towards becoming a global maritime leader by 2047. The announcement was made at a high-level press briefing in Mumbai, attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and Minister of Ports Development Nitesh Rane.
The press conference followed a detailed review meeting at Mantralaya on the event’s preparations, with special emphasis on logistics, security, and international participation. IMW 2025, scheduled from 27th to 31st October at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, is expected to attract over 100,000 delegates, 500 exhibitors, and ministerial delegations from over 100 countries, reinforcing Mumbai’s position as a global hub for maritime innovation, investment, and collaboration.
Speaking to the media, Sarbananda Sonowal expressed confidence in the sector’s growth trajectory and India’s readiness to anchor a global maritime future. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are working to transform our ports, shipping, and logistics ecosystem into one that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready. IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects and commitments into partnerships,” he said.
The minister highlighted a structured investment vision across key maritime segments:
- Shipbuilding and clusters: Approximately ₹3 lakh crore
- Sustainability initiatives: Around ₹2 lakh crore
- Port modernization: Approximately ₹2 lakh crore
- Digitization: About ₹1 lakh crore
- Port-led industrialization: Additional investments expected to accelerate economic growth and job creation
This financial roadmap aligns closely with the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, which targets ₹8 trillion in investments and 1.5 crore new jobs by 2047.
India’s maritime performance indicators already reflect strong progress. Cargo movement on inland waterways has grown eightfold since 2014, turnaround time at major ports has reduced by 60%, and more than ₹5.5 lakh crore worth of Sagarmala projects are reshaping coastal logistics. India now supplies 12% of the world’s seafarers, a testament to its scale and maritime workforce leadership. The government has also announced that all 12 major ports will achieve carbon neutrality by 2047, with green energy transition milestones set for 2035, signaling a strong push toward sustainability.
International participation at IMW 2025 will be a major highlight. Ministerial delegations from Singapore, UAE, South Korea, Japan, and Denmark, along with global bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UNESCAP, will join the discussions. Leading Indian states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu — and top industry players including Adani Ports and Logistics, Cochin Shipyard, and Paradip Port Authority will showcase strategic projects and collaborations.
IMW 2025 will serve as a platform to strengthen India’s position in the global blue economy, driving strategic dialogues, unlocking USD 82 billion in investment opportunities, and fostering technology-driven transformation. This aligns seamlessly with the Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 initiatives and sets a clear pathway to achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
The event is hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and organized by the Indian Ports Association (IPA). With strong Centre-State alignment, clear investment priorities, and a bold sustainability agenda, India Maritime Week 2025 is poised to be a landmark moment in shaping the future of India’s maritime economy and its role in global trade.
