India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 — the world’s largest maritime gathering — was inaugurated today by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event, themed “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision,” brings together over one lakh participants from more than 85 countries, featuring 500+ exhibitors, 350+ speakers, and 12 parallel conferences over five days.
The grand inaugural was graced by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways; Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa; Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways; and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah described the maritime sector as a symbol of “India’s strength, stability, and sustainability.” He said, “This is India’s maritime moment — transforming the Gateway of India into the Gateway of the World,” lauding the reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that have positioned India as a pivotal maritime hub connecting the Indo-Pacific and Global South.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed IMW 2025 a “turning point in India’s maritime journey,” noting that India’s port capacity has doubled to 2,700 MTPA, cargo handling has risen to 1,640 MMT, and inland waterway traffic has grown from 6.9 MMT to 145 MMT in the past decade.
NMPA Shines at IMW 2025 with ₹52,599 Crore Investment Pacts
Marking its Golden Jubilee Year, the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) made a strong presence as a Platinum Sponsor at IMW 2025. On Day 2, NMPA signed 18 MoUs worth ₹52,599 crore with major industry players including MRPL, Aegis Vopak, Reliance, HPCL, GMPL, and IPRCL — reinforcing investor confidence in India’s west coast.
During the Karnataka Session on “Exploring PPP Synergies for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” Dr. A.V. Ramana, Chairman, NMPA, highlighted the evolution of PPP models driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in port operations. He cited NMPA’s success with mechanised terminals and its unique multi-specialty hospital developed under a PPP model — a first among Indian ports.
Chairing the session on “Passenger Experience, Sustainability & Policy Framework” in the Cruise Tourism segment, Dr. Ramana underscored India’s emerging cruise tourism potential and called for enhanced digitalisation, green infrastructure, and improved passenger experiences.
Visiting the NMPA Pavilion, Karnataka’s Minister for Ports and Fisheries Shri Mankal Vaidya commended NMPA’s performance, noting that its profitability has quadrupled between 2019 and 2025, making it one of India’s most efficient and sustainable ports.
India Maritime Week 2025 will continue till October 31, featuring 100+ thematic sessions, ministerial dialogues, and state-led showcases, reaffirming India’s commitment to Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 — charting a course toward global maritime leadership.
