India is poised to emerge as a global maritime powerhouse and establishes itself among the world’s leading shipping centres by 2047, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur said on Friday.
Addressing a gathering of industry experts and stakeholders, the minister outlined the government’s vision to transform the country’s maritime landscape through capacity expansion, infrastructure modernisation, digitalisation and regulatory reforms aimed at making India a preferred destination for global shipping and maritime business.
Shantanu Thakur highlighted that various strategic initiatives under the PM GatiShakti framework and the Sagarmala programme are being implemented to improve port connectivity, enhance logistics efficiency and attract international shipping lines to Indian ports. The minister noted that India’s geographic location, growing economy and continuous investment in port infrastructure provide a strong foundation for achieving the long-term goal.
He emphasised that priority is being given to developing deep-draft, multi-cargo ports, modern container terminals and specialised facilities for emerging sectors such as green fuels, offshore wind and energy storage. Integrated multimodal connectivity, including rail and road linkages to major ports, is also being strengthened to reduce turnaround time and logistics costs.
The minister said that efforts are underway to enhance the ease of doing business in the maritime sector through simplified approvals, policy support and partnerships with international maritime entities. Innovation in digital systems, port community platforms and real-time cargo tracking are among the measures expected to increase operational transparency and competitiveness for Indian ports.
Shantanu Thakur added that fostering a skilled maritime workforce and promoting shipbuilding, repair and ancillary services will further bolster India’s position in the global maritime value chain. Initiatives to train seafarers, expand maritime education and support naval infrastructure were also highlighted as key components of the vision.
Industry leaders at the event welcomed the government’s roadmap, saying that with continued investment and structural reforms, India is well-placed to capture a larger share of global maritime trade, attract foreign investments and emerge as a hub for shipping finance, insurance, logistics and maritime services.
The minister reiterated that the target year 2047, marking the centenary of India’s independence, has been set as a milestone for achieving top-tier status among global shipping centres, supported by robust infrastructure and a conducive business environment.