Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address at the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week, scheduled from October 27–31 in Mumbai.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the event will be “not only a confluence of ideas, but a confluence of confidence,” adding that Modi’s leadership has positioned India as a trusted maritime partner and rising global power.
“His presence at the Global Maritime CEO Forum will inspire global industry leaders to invest in India’s growth story,” Sonowal said in a statement.
The minister noted that since 2014, flagship initiatives such as Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047 have reshaped the nation’s maritime ecosystem. Port capacity has nearly doubled, cargo handling has touched 1,600 million metric tonnes, and average turnaround time has reduced to 22 hours.
Inland waterways have also witnessed rapid growth—from just five operational waterways in 2014 to 30 today, with cargo movement surging from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 145 million tonnes last year.
Sonowal further underscored India’s green transition through the Harit Sagar policy and Harit Nauka initiative, promoting renewable energy, clean fuels, and eco-friendly inland vessels. He also highlighted the Jalvahak Scheme, launched in December 2024, which incentivises long-haul cargo transport on National Waterways via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route with up to 35% reimbursement of operating costs.
“With Jalvahak and fixed-day scheduled sailings, we are providing the industry with predictability, affordability, and sustainability,” he said.
Another highlight is the Cruise Bharat Mission (2024), which envisions the development of 100 river cruise terminals, 10 sea cruise terminals, and five marinas, while aiming to double cruise passenger numbers by 2029.
India Maritime Week 2025 is expected to bring together global industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart the future of the sector and reinforce India’s role as a driving force in global maritime trade.
