India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, held from 27 to 31 October 2025 at NESCO, Mumbai, concluded with a historic achievement, securing over ₹12 Lakh Crores in investment and signing more than 600 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), marking a major milestone in India’s maritime resurgence. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted the 41% increase in investment from ₹8.5 Lakh Crores at GMIS 2023, reflecting growing global confidence in India’s maritime sector.
Speaking at a press conference, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This surge underscores India’s leadership in sustainable port-led development and its emergence as a key driver of the global blue economy, driven by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
PM Modi Launches Transformative Maritime Initiatives
On 29 October 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled transformative initiatives aimed at advancing India’s maritime capacity and sustainability goals under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047. Highlights include:
- Shipping Expansion: Shipping Corporation of India plans to expand its fleet to 216 vessels by 2047, with an investment of ₹1 Lakh Crores, adding 10 million Gross Tonnage (GT).
- Indigenous Shipbuilding: Oil and Gas PSUs announced 59 shipbuilding orders worth ₹47,800 crore, boosting local manufacturing and employment.
- Green Ports: Launch of the Green Tug Programme, deploying 100 eco-friendly tugs by 2040 with ₹12,000 crore investment. The Dredging Corporation of India will modernise its fleet with 11 new dredgers.
Sarbananda Sonowal added, “These initiatives reflect PM Modi ji’s vision of a green, self-reliant, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem, steering India toward Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Global Maritime CEO Forum and International Collaboration
IMW 2025 hosted the Global Maritime CEO Forum and the Maritime Leaders Conclave, bringing together global maritime leaders to discuss sustainable growth, digital transformation, and green shipping. Over 85 countries participated, including Sweden, Germany, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Japan. Global corporations such as Maersk, DP World, MSC, Wartsila, and Royal IHC engaged in high-level discussions and pledged investments in India’s maritime sector.
Key MoUs and Strategic Partnerships
Significant agreements inked during IMW 2025 include:
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VoCPA) & Jindal India Power Ltd: Green Ammonia Plant in Tuticorin worth ₹47,000 crore.
- Paradip Port Authority & ACME Clean Tech: Green Hydrogen project valued at ₹45,000 crore.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority & Adani Ports: Land development at Vadhvan Port, valued at ₹26,500 crore.
- Mumbai Port Authority & Lai Investment Manager Pvt. Ltd.: Development of industrial and logistics parks worth ₹23,000 crore.
Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that these MoUs will generate thousands of skilled jobs, accelerate port and shipping capacity, and support India’s transition toward a green, digital maritime economy.
Focus on Digital Transformation, Sustainability, and Talent
IMW 2025 launched Digi Bandar, a national AI-driven framework to make all ports data-enabled, interconnected, and efficient. The event also highlighted the importance of maritime human capital and celebrated India’s first women maritime achievers. Strategic sessions covered green shipping, global trade corridors, port-led industrialisation, and maritime heritage preservation.
A Global Maritime Platform
IMW 2025, themed “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision”, was inaugurated by Home Minister Amit Shah. The event witnessed participation from over 1,00,000 delegates, 500+ exhibitors, and 350+ international speakers, positioning India as a global hub for maritime investment, innovation, and sustainable blue economy leadership.
