Modi Calls on Global Investors to Join India’s Blue Economy Growth Journey

Indian Prime Minister: Our Maritime Sector Has Become a Symbol of Global Confidence and National Pride

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi published an article on LinkedIn following his participation in the Maritime Leaders Conference held in Mumbai as part of India Maritime Week 2025. In the article, he affirmed that India’s maritime sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom in infrastructure, reforms, and productivity, making it a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth.

Modi stated that Mumbai, historically linked to India’s maritime heritage and the achievements of Commander Shivaji Maharaj, is now a pivotal hub for port infrastructure and a major center for national trade. He noted the optimism of both domestic and international investors regarding the future of port-based development in India.

He added that India, with its rich maritime history dating back to empires such as the Chola and Marathas, has regained its status as a rising maritime power in the last decade after years of legislative stagnation and limited capabilities, thanks to extensive reforms, a focus on port modernization, and enhanced private sector participation.

Significant Leaps in Capacity and Productivity

The Prime Minister explained that the handling capacity of Indian ports has more than doubled from 1,400 to 2,762 million tons annually, while the volume of cargo handled has increased from 972 to 1,594 million tons, and vessel turnaround time has decreased from 93 to 48 hours. The net surplus has also increased ninefold to 9,352 crore rupees, and the utilization rate has improved from 73% to 43%, reflecting unprecedented efficiency.

Modi noted that the number of Indian maritime workers has increased from 125,000 to over 300,000, now representing 12% of the global maritime workforce, making India one of the top three exporters of maritime personnel in the world.

Integrated Maritime and Waterway Expansion

The Prime Minister noted that the number of registered Indian vessels increased from 1,205 to 1,549, and the total tonnage grew to 13.52 million tons, while coastal cargo transport nearly doubled from 87 million to 165 million tons. Cargo transport via inland waterways also saw record growth of 710%, reaching 146 million tons in 2025, up from just 18 million tons in 2014.

He added that India now has 32 active waterways, compared to only three a decade ago, and that ferry and Ro-Pax services carried more than 75 million passengers during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Sustainability and Innovation at the Heart of the Vision

Modi emphasized that his government’s vision prioritizes sustainability and innovation in the development of the sector. He noted that Vizhengam Port has become India’s first deep-sea cargo hub, while Kandla Port is home to the country’s first green hydrogen production facility. He also highlighted that Nhva Sheva Port (JNPT) has attracted the largest foreign direct investment in the history of Indian ports after doubling its capacity.

The Prime Minister also discussed the Vadawan Port project in Maharashtra, with investments totaling approximately 76 billion rupees. He affirmed that it will be among the deepest ports in the world and will contribute to creating vast economic opportunities thanks to its direct connection to road and high-speed rail networks.

Reforms Underpin Transformation

Modi pointed out that the Indian government has introduced five pivotal laws in recent years, including the Bill of Lading Act and the Indian Ports Act 2025, to modernize maritime governance, streamline trade, and strengthen state powers. A funding package of 70 billion rupees was also approved to support the sector, in addition to incentive programs that will attract more than 4.5 trillion rupees in investments and provide more than 2,500 new vessels.

A Call to Invest in the Blue Economy

Modi concluded his article by inviting global investors to join India’s growth journey in the blue economy, emphasizing that India possesses long coastlines, strategic locations, world-class ports, an ambitious vision, and an environment that fosters innovation and a young generation capable of building a bright future.

The Prime Minister said, “India is a safe haven for investment. We have the infrastructure, the innovation, and the determination. Come and join us on this voyage to prosperity.”