Mumbai, October 3, 2026: Rahul Modi has taken over as Chairman of the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in Mumbai on October 2, 2026.
Modi was elected Chairman at the 12th meeting of the IMC Board of Directors held on September 22, 2026, along with Maneesh Pradhan, who was elected Vice Chairman. Modi, President of the Coastal Container Transporters Association (CCTA) and a member of the National Shipping Board, succeeds Devki Nandan as Chairman. Pradhan, Chairman of the Maritime Association of Ship Owners and Ship Agents (MASSA) and Chief Operating Officer of Synergy Marine Group, succeeds Shankar Shinde as Vice Chairman.
The Minister chaired a review meeting of the IMC on October 2 to assess its progress, plans and operational requirements. The meeting was attended by Rahul Modi, Devki Nandan, Capt. Dr. Sankalp Shukla, Capt. Chandran Daniel, P.K. Mishra, CEO Capt. Tushar Pradhan and Advisor Capt. Vikas Vij, former First Director of IMC.
Discussions focused on strengthening the IMC’s role as a facilitator of international maritime engagement and expanding cooperation with maritime institutions across the world.
Devki Nandan highlighted the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the IMC and the German Maritime Centre to strengthen cooperation between the maritime sectors of India and Germany. He noted the growing demand in Germany for skilled maritime manpower, including personnel for defence and private shipyards, engineering facilities and seafaring roles, presenting opportunities for Indian maritime professionals.
Capt. Sankalp Shukla highlighted interest from Germany, Japan and Singapore in collaboration with India and emphasised the need for the IMC to establish institutional partnerships and sign MoUs with maritime organisations in interested countries. He also suggested exploring opportunities not only for supplying skilled manpower but also for manufacturing and supplying marine spare parts from India.
Capt. Vikas Vij briefed the Minister on his recent visit to Japan in August 2026, where he accompanied the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry and interacted with Japanese government officials and industry leaders in the presence of the Indian Ambassador in Tokyo. Discussions covered Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, as well as opportunities for India-Japan maritime cooperation.
Vij also highlighted the IMC’s role as a nodal federation representing a majority of maritime associations under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. During his Japan visit, he held discussions with the Japan Maritime Centre on potential cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime skill development and shipping trade, and initiated dialogue towards a possible MoU between the two organisations. The Minister advised the IMC to invite the Chairman of the Japan Maritime Centre to India for further discussions.
P.K. Mishra noted that India has the capability to upskill its maritime workforce through multiple institutions and can leverage this capacity to support international partnerships.
Congratulating Rahul Modi on taking charge as Chairman, Minister Sonowal assured the IMC of the Government’s support in advancing its agenda. He emphasised the importance of the IMC serving as a common platform for stakeholders across the maritime community and as a facilitator of international maritime engagement.
The Minister also advised the IMC to pursue structured engagements with maritime nations and organisations and develop institutional partnerships and MoUs with leading maritime institutions to support India’s objective of becoming a leading maritime nation.
Rahul Modi assured the Minister that the IMC team would make every effort to meet the Government’s expectations and advance the Centre’s objectives.