India is emerging as a key beneficiary of global liner shipping schedules as manufacturers and traders increasingly adopt the ‘China plus one’ strategy to diversify supply chains. Carriers are realigning services to cater to shifting cargo flows, with India witnessing a steady increase in direct calls, new service launches, and enhanced connectivity to major global markets.
Industry analysts note that shipping lines are deploying more capacity on India–US and India–Europe routes, reflecting the surge in sourcing and manufacturing relocations from China to India and Southeast Asia. Ports such as Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Chennai, and Vizhinjam are gaining prominence as strategic hubs in revised rotations.
Freight forwarders said the change is visible in both containerized exports and imports, with electronics, machinery, textiles, and auto components leading volumes. “India has become a central pillar of global supply chain realignment. Liner schedules now consistently factor Indian ports as core calls rather than secondary options,” said a senior executive at a global carrier.
According to shipping databases, weekly mainline capacity calling Indian ports has risen by nearly double digits over the past year, with alliances adding India into long-haul rotations previously dominated by China, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
Trade experts believe the trend will accelerate as multinationals strengthen their manufacturing footprint in India, supported by government incentives and improving port infrastructure.
“The ‘China plus one’ momentum is translating into a structural advantage for India in global trade. Carriers are aligning their schedules to ensure Indian exporters and importers remain seamlessly integrated into global supply chains,” an industry analyst noted.