India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways hosted the Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in Delhi this week, convening envoys from 28 nations along with senior officials, industry leaders and multilateral representatives to discuss collaboration ahead of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled for October 27–31 in Mumbai.
The event, chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, underlined India’s growing role in global maritime trade, sustainable shipping and the blue economy. Shri Sonowal urged global partners to view India as a hub for investment and innovation, highlighting the government’s $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap.
“India’s maritime journey is entering a new chapter under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. With transformative initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, our ports, shipping and logistics ecosystem is becoming more resilient, sustainable and future-ready,” Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal told the gathering.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur also addressed the session, underscoring reforms in port modernisation, inland waterways expansion, and green and digital shipping, and urged greater private sector involvement.
A sectoral presentation by Shri R. Laxmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, showcased opportunities in mega projects such as Vadhavan Port near Mumbai, Galathea Bay Transshipment Port and Tuna Tekra Terminal, alongside investments in green hydrogen hubs, LNG bunkering, shipbuilding, ship recycling, and maritime industrial parks.
The deliberations focused on India’s core maritime priorities, including strengthening shipbuilding capacity and port-led development to position the country as a global hub. Delegates also highlighted the scope of the blue economy, stressing sustainable growth and livelihoods through responsible use of ocean resources. Discussions emphasised digitalisation in maritime logistics to improve efficiency and transparency, along with the need to accelerate the transition to green shipping through hydrogen-powered and low-emission vessels. The role of IFSC-GIFT City in driving maritime financing was underlined as a key enabler to attract global investment and foster innovation in the sector.
(Photo of Shri Shantanu Thakur from India Ministry for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and image of Vadhavan port project from haskoning.com)