The Government of India convened a high-level meeting with the National Shipping Board (NSB) to address emerging challenges in the country’s shipping sector and to chart a path for enhancing maritime capacity in a rapidly evolving global trade environment. The meeting, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, comes at a time when geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions are reshaping global logistics.
The session was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and brought together NSB members, industry leaders, maritime stakeholders, and senior government officials. The discussions focused on operational bottlenecks, policy priorities, and the need to reinforce India’s shipping ecosystem against external shocks.
Highlighting the government’s long-term vision, Sonowal reiterated that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing toward becoming a major maritime power. He emphasised that strategic reforms, infrastructure expansion, and active stakeholder collaboration are key to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy and strengthening India’s role in global maritime trade.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included the impact of ongoing geopolitical developments on shipping routes, persistent supply chain challenges, and rising operational pressures across the maritime sector. Stakeholders also raised concerns related to fleet capacity, logistics resilience, and regulatory support. In response, the minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges and ensure sustainable sectoral growth.
The meeting also reviewed progress under flagship initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, both of which aim to modernise port infrastructure, expand shipping capacity, and position India as a leading global maritime hub.
Sonowal underscored the critical role of the NSB as an advisory body in shaping maritime policy and resolving industry issues through continuous dialogue. Among the attendees was Sameer Kumar Khare, Chairperson of the NSB, along with other board members and representatives from across the shipping industry.
Officials noted that the interaction reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring uninterrupted cargo movement, enhancing sectoral stability, and addressing stakeholder concerns in a dynamic global trade landscape.
