India Is The Ideal Destination For Global Maritime Investors, Declares PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored India’s growing stature as a global maritime investment hub. He described the nation as the ideal destination for investors seeking opportunities across the blue economy.

“We have a very long coastline. Have world-class ports. We have infrastructure, innovation and intent. Come, invest in India,” he urged, highlighting the country’s maritime potential.

In a LinkedIn post, the Prime Minister detailed how India’s strategic geography, modern port systems, and innovation-driven policies are unlocking vast opportunities in ship-building, logistics, coastal shipping, and allied maritime services.

With over 7,500 km of coastline and a rapidly expanding network of advanced ports, he said, India is well-positioned to evolve into a major maritime hub. Furthermore, the country offers efficient connectivity, sustainable shipping solutions, and investor-friendly frameworks.

PM Modi invited both domestic and international investors to join India’s maritime growth story. He further said it is built on a foundation of robust infrastructure, innovation, and clear policy direction.

Reflecting the sector’s strong growth momentum, the Prime Minister wrote, “India’s shipping power is expanding across coasts and rivers. Indian-flagged vessels increased from 1,205 to 1,549, and fleet gross tonnage grew from 10 MGT to 13.52 MGT. Coastal shipping cargo nearly doubled from 87 to 165 MMT.”

Inland waterways also witnessed a remarkable expansion, with cargo volumes surging 710 per cent, from 18 MMT in 2014 to 146 MMT in 2025.

The number of operational waterways rose from 3 to 32, and ferry and Ro-Pax services transported 7.5 crore passengers in 2024–25.

Emphasising the government’s focus on sustainability and innovation, PM Modi further cited, “Our vision for the Maritime sector places topmost importance on sustainability and innovation. Vizhinjam Port has become India’s first deep-water transhipment hub. Kandla Port hosts the nation’s first green hydrogen facility. JNPT has doubled its capacity and attracted the largest FDI in port history.”

Discussing upcoming mega projects, PM Modi said the Vadhvan Port in Palghar, Maharashtra, will involve an investment of Rs 76,000 crore. The port will, however, feature a 20-metre draft, placing it among the world’s deepest ports.

Its strong rail and road connectivity, linking to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and the Western Freight Corridor, will likely transform regional trade and logistics networks.

“Five landmark bills, from the Bills of Lading Bill to the Indian Ports Bill (2025), have modernised maritime governance, simplified trade, empowered states and aligned India with global standards. To accelerate this growth, the government has approved a Rs. 70,000 crore umbrella package for the maritime sector,” PM Modi further asserted.

The Prime Minister’s remarks, however, followed his address at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. There, he showcased India’s advancements and reforms in the maritime sector.

“When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India can play that role very strongly. Amid global tensions, trade disruptions, and shifting supply chains, India stands as a symbol of strategic autonomy, peace, and inclusive growth,” he told delegates from over 85 countries, noting India’s position as a pillar of stability in the face of global uncertainties.

At the same event, PM Modi launched initiatives worth Rs 2.2 lakh crore for shipping and shipbuilding. These, however, include the acquisition of 437 vessels.

Several MoUs were also signed in areas such as port-led industrialisation, sustainability, and ship-building. These agreements, however, reaffirm India’s vision of making maritime infrastructure a key driver of national growth.

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