India Aims to Become a Global Shipbuilding Power: Amit Shah
- Lerin Astro
- Oct 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that the Government of India is setting an ambitious target to make the country one of the top five shipbuilding nations in the world, while enhancing its port handling capacity to 10,000 million metric tonnes per year.
Speaking at the inauguration of India Maritime Week 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, Shah emphasized that the maritime sector would play a pivotal role in expanding India’s global trade and logistics influence.
India’s Maritime Vision
“Our goal is to become one of the top five shipbuilding countries in the world. For that, we are developing new mega and deep-draft ports and have completed a roadmap to connect India’s maritime industry with global trade,” Shah stated.
The Home Minister highlighted key flagship programs such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Sagarmala, the Blue Economy, and the Green Maritime Vision. These initiatives, he said, aim to modernize port infrastructure, promote green shipping practices, and strengthen regional maritime cooperation.
Expanding Infrastructure and Connectivity
Shah noted that India’s maritime network is rapidly transforming through large-scale infrastructure investments and digitalization.
“We have digitized port transport systems and linked them with major international corridors such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the Eastern Maritime Corridor, and the North-South Transport Corridor,” he said.
The government has increased the annual maritime budget sixfold, from $40 million to $230 million, and is developing the Great Nicobar Project with a $5 billion investment, expected to significantly boost India’s maritime trade capacity.
Shah also revealed plans for:
The world’s largest dry dock at Cochin Shipyard, worth $200 million.
A Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat, aligned with international maritime standards.
The Vadhavan Port project near Mumbai, a $10 billion investment, which will be among the world’s five largest ports upon completion.
He added that in the past decade, India has recorded a 118% increase in coastal security and a 150% rise in cargo handling capacity.
Toward a Green and Inclusive Maritime Future
Shah underlined that India’s maritime strategy aligns with global sustainability goals.
“Bharat is steering towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse through strategic and future-oriented initiatives,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining environmental balance while pursuing growth.
He further acknowledged the dependence of small island nations and Global South countries on the ocean for survival, emphasizing India’s commitment to developing a green, prosperous, and inclusive ocean economy.
Boost for Fishermen: Deep-Sea Boats Handed Over
During the event, Shah handed over two deep-sea fishing vessels at Mazgaon Dock to fishermen’s cooperatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
He announced that 14 boats would be distributed to cooperative societies across Maharashtra, with a target of launching at least 200 boats nationwide over the next five years.
Each vessel can remain at sea for 25 days and catch up to 20 tonnes of fish, while larger vessels will help transport the catch to shore, ensuring profits directly benefit fishermen.
“India’s 1,199-km coastline offers immense potential. The central government is committed to ensuring this potential improves the livelihood of our fishermen,” Shah said.
India Maritime Week 2025
The first day of the event saw participation from the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Odisha, along with 12 foreign ministers, seven union ministers, and representatives from 16 states.
The five-day summit is expected to witness the signing of 680 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth an estimated ₹10 lakh crore, projected to generate 700,000 jobs. Around 500 companies and 100,000 delegates are participating in the event.
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