The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 5, 2025
In a significant move to transform India’s maritime landscape and reinforce its position in the global logistics ecosystem, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced a $20 billion commitment toward the development of maritime infrastructure. Speaking at the India Country Session in Oslo, the minister outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing multimodal logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation.
Highlighting India’s expanding maritime capabilities and investment-friendly environment, Sonowal underscored the strategic importance of the sector in realizing the national vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. “Under the able and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving decisively toward becoming a modern, self-reliant, inclusive, and globally engaged economy,” he said.
Sonowal emphasized that the maritime sector is not only a pillar of economic growth but also an enabler of resilience, sustainability, and global strategic connectivity. The minister noted that the government’s reforms aimed at expanding port infrastructure, integrating logistics systems, and simplifying business processes are already yielding results — including enhanced port efficiency, higher cargo throughput, and growing investor confidence.
Key international trade corridors such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) are playing a pivotal role in strengthening maritime supply chains and connectivity. “India is working to become a credible and competitive alternative,” Sonowal asserted, adding that the nation is setting its sights on becoming one of the top five shipbuilding countries by 2047 through a mix of policy support, infrastructure upgrades, and ease of doing business.
India is also taking bold steps in maritime decarbonization, with the development of three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports at Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip. These ports will support green hydrogen production and facilitate the use of alternative fuels in maritime operations. “We are proud to lead under the IMO’s Green Voyage 2050 initiative, aiding developing nations in their energy transitions,” Sonowal said.
Digitization is another cornerstone of India’s maritime reform. Platforms like the One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP), National Logistics Portal (Marine), and MAITRI – Virtual Trade Corridor are revolutionizing the digital ecosystem by offering unified services for port operations and cross-border trade. These initiatives are streamlining operations, enhancing transparency, reducing delays, and enabling real-time cargo tracking.
As India scales up its maritime ambitions, it is also actively collaborating with global partners to establish Virtual Trade Corridors that will digitally link ports across countries, fostering seamless cargo movement and eliminating logistical bottlenecks.
