India Maritime Week 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai today. On the occasion, the Prime Minister launched initiatives worth 2.2 lakh crore rupees in an effort to strengthen India’s maritime and shipbuilding capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, Maritime sector is driving India’s growth. He said, over the last decade, the sector has transformed significantly, boosting trade and port infrastructure. The Prime Minister further added that maritime sector is advancing with great speed and energy and this is the right time to work and expand in India’s shipping sector.
Noting that several projects related to the shipping sector have been launched at the conclave, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Memorandums of Understanding worth lakhs of crores of rupees have also been signed in the shipping sector. The Prime Minister remarked that the presence of participants from 85 countries at the event stands as a symbol of their common commitment.
Mr Modi said, India is accelerating efforts to reach new heights in shipbuilding. He said, the government has replaced over a century-old colonial shipping laws with modern and futuristic laws suited for the 21st century. The Prime Minister said, today, India’s ports are now counted among most efficient in developing world. He said, in many aspects, they are performing even better than those in the developed world. Mr. Modi said the average vessel turnaround time has dropped from ninety-six hours to just forty-eight hours.
He further emphasized India’s growing strength in maritime human resources, stating that the number of Indian seafarers has increased from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh in the past decade. He stressed that today, India ranks among the top three countries globally in terms of seafarer numbers. Stating that the participation of 85 countries in India Maritime Week 2025 clearly demonstrates the world’s confidence in India’s maritime capabilities, the Prime Minister said, Indian ports have set a new record by handling the highest cargo ever this year.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that amid global tensions, trade disruptions and shifting supply chains, India stands as a symbol of strategic autonomy, peace and inclusive growth. The Prime Minister emphasized that, when the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse.
He added that India is well poised to play that role with strength and stability. Mr Modi highlighted the need for collective action to address climate change, supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, and maritime security. He called upon all participants to move together towards peace, progress, and prosperity, and to build a sustainable future.
Union Ministers, Sarbananda Sonowal, Shantanu Thakur and Kirti Vardhan Singh, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were present on the occasion.
