Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the fourth edition of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai, underscoring India’s vast potential to emerge as a leading global maritime power.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of global delegates, policymakers, and industry leaders at NESCO Grounds, Shah said India’s strategic maritime position, democratic stability, and naval capabilities were central to connecting the Indo-Pacific with the Global South, strengthening trade, security, and sustainability across oceans.
“India’s maritime strategic position, democratic stability and naval capabilities are building a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and Global South. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is set to create a new maritime history,” Shah said.
The Home Minister highlighted that maritime activities contribute nearly 60% to India’s GDP, with the country’s exclusive and special economic zones spanning 23.7 lakh sq. km. He added that the government’s ongoing structural reforms in the maritime sector over the past decade have positioned India as an emerging global maritime hub.
Calling for global partnerships, Shah noted that with 11,000 kilometres of coastline and 13 coastal states and Union Territories, India enjoys an unmatched geographic advantage for developing shipping, logistics, and port-led industries.
“At this summit, we will brainstorm to make the Gateway of India the Gateway of the World,” he remarked, inviting international investors to explore India’s vast maritime opportunities.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, in his address, said the theme of IMW 2025 – ‘Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision’ – reflects India’s civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”). He added that IMW provides a vital platform for collaboration on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the global maritime sector.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also present at the inaugural, highlighted the transformative impact of the upcoming Wadhwan Port, calling it one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
“Once completed, Wadhwan Port will rank among the top ten ports globally. This landmark project will transform India into a global maritime power and firmly integrate the nation into the global trade and supply chain network,” Fadnavis stated.
The inaugural event was also attended by the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Goa, and Odisha, along with senior officials, maritime leaders, and international delegates.
Hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), India Maritime Week 2025 is being held from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai, serving as a platform for policy discussions, technology showcases, and international collaboration in the maritime domain.
