India charts new course at Maritime Week 2025: Building global strength at sea

The waves of change are sweeping across India’s maritime sector as the nation takes confident strides toward becoming a global maritime power. The India Maritime Week 2025 , held in Mumbai from 27th to 31st October , brought together world leaders, industry experts, and policymakers under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision.”

With participation from over 85 countries , 450 speakers , 500 exhibitors , and more than one lakh delegates , this year’s edition marked India’s growing prominence on the world maritime map. The event served as a platform to showcase India’s expanding role in global shipping, ports, cruise tourism, and the blue economy, a reflection of how far the country has sailed under the Maritime India Vision 2030 .

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership has fundamentally reshaped the maritime landscape. “India’s maritime ecosystem today reflects the strength of our global partnerships and the inclusivity of our vision,” he said. “PM Modi’s leadership has brought clarity, purpose, and scale to the sector.”

Sonowal also pointed out that India now accounts for more than 10% of the world’s seafarers . “One in every five global seafarers will be an Indian by 2030,” he said, adding that the nation is also expanding its cruise tourism potential with a target of tenfold growth in passenger traffic , positioning India as an emerging leader in the Asia-Pacific region.

In his message for the event, Prime Minister Modi said that India’s maritime strength is an integral part of the country’s vision for a “Blue Economy of the Future.” He emphasized that the maritime sector is not just about trade and logistics but also about environmental sustainability, innovation, and global cooperation . “The oceans connect humanity, and through maritime partnerships, India seeks to connect prosperity with sustainability,” the Prime Minister noted.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded the forum as a significant milestone in India’s maritime growth story. “This platform allows us to share the changes happening in the maritime sector with the world and showcase how India is emerging as a leader in global trade,” he said.

India Maritime Week 2025 stands as a testament to the nation’s growing maritime influence, from strengthening port infrastructure and shipbuilding to pioneering eco-friendly shipping and skill development for the next generation of seafarers. With 10% of global seafarers already Indian, India’s voice in global maritime affairs is stronger than ever , steering the nation toward a future where its oceans drive sustainable progress, prosperity, and international cooperation.