Sarbananda Sonowal has announced that India plans to add 62 vessels in FY27 as part of a major maritime expansion strategy involving an investment of ₹51,383 crore to strengthen the country’s shipping and logistics capabilities.
The initiative aims to boost India’s domestic fleet capacity, reduce dependence on foreign-flagged vessels, and enhance control over critical trade routes. The proposed vessels are expected to support cargo movement across coastal shipping, international trade lanes, and energy transportation segments.
Officials said the investment aligns with India’s broader maritime development goals, including modernizing port infrastructure, expanding shipping tonnage, and improving supply chain efficiency. The move is also expected to support shipbuilding activity and generate employment across the maritime ecosystem.
Industry observers view the plan as a significant step toward strengthening India’s blue economy ambitions, improving logistics competitiveness, and ensuring greater resilience in global trade operations amid evolving geopolitical and freight market conditions.