The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways hosted a media briefing today at the NESCO Centre, Mumbai, marking the fourth edition of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025. The press conference, led by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, set the stage for one of the country’s most ambitious maritime initiatives, aimed at making India a global hub for shipbuilding, port development, and blue economy growth.
Key dignitaries and vision
The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri Sunil Paliwal, Chairman, Indian Ports Association and Chennai Port Authority; and Shri Vikas Narwal, Managing Director, Indian Ports Association and Chennai Port Authority.
In his keynote address, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled the government’s vision to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations in the world by 2047, aligning with the national goals of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Global collaboration and investment
The minister shared that IMW 2025 aims to bring together over 100 participating countries, strengthening global cooperation in the maritime sector.
Highlighting the strong investor confidence, he announced that the government has already attracted ₹10 lakh crore in maritime-related projects, with plans to further secure ₹80 crore in global investments. These investments will support the development of shipyards, port infrastructure, and sustainable maritime technologies.
Maharashtra at the centre of growth
Shri Sonowal emphasised the importance of Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, in India’s maritime growth strategy. He stated that Mumbai’s strategic location, industrial capacity, and skilled workforce make it a natural leader in India’s shipbuilding future. The state’s ports will play a key role in the country’s transformation into a global maritime powerhouse.
Commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The minister lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his principles of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ as the foundation of India’s maritime success. He also appreciated the support of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, noting his contribution towards fostering infrastructure development and investor confidence in the state.
About India maritime week 2025
India Maritime Week 2025 serves as a premier global platform for maritime stakeholders including industry experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore new opportunities in port modernisation, logistics, shipbuilding, and green shipping technologies.
Organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the event underscores India’s growing importance in the global maritime ecosystem. IMW 2025 will feature exhibitions, roundtable discussions, and B2B networking sessions aimed at accelerating the country’s blue economy ambitions.
A future anchored in innovation
The conference concluded with a call to action for greater collaboration among nations, investors, and industry players. The collective vision, as reiterated by Shri Sonowal, is to make India not just self-reliant but globally competitive in the maritime domain.
With IMW 2025 setting a bold roadmap, India’s journey toward becoming a top-five shipbuilding nation by 2047 appears both strategic and achievable rooted in innovation, partnership, and the spirit of nation-building.
