THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, APRIL 29, 2026
“India sets course for Atmanirbhar Shipping;
plans 62 vessels in FY 2026–27 with ₹51,383
crore investment,” Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda
Sonowal said on Wednesday, outlining an ambitious roadmap to significantly enhance
the country's maritime strength and strategic resilience.
The
announcement came during a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting convened
to assess the evolving situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its potential
implications for India's maritime trade and energy security. The deliberations
quickly broadened into a comprehensive strategy session aimed at accelerating
India's self-reliance in shipping and fortifying its maritime ecosystem against
global disruptions.
Chaired
by Sonowal, the meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas, oil public sector undertakings, the Ministry of
Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Directorate General of Shipping, the National
Shipping Board, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Speaking
on the occasion, Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, we are positioning shipping at the core of India’s
economic resilience. Our journey towards Atmanirbhar shipping is a strategic
necessity, and we are advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels in FY 2026–27,
backed by ₹51,383
crore, creating an additional 2.85 million GT capacity.”
The
proposed fleet expansion is expected to substantially strengthen India's shipping
capacity across critical segments, including container vessels, LPG carriers,
crude oil tankers, green tugs, dredgers and other specialised maritime assets.
The move is aimed at insulating the country from external shocks while ensuring
uninterrupted supply chains and energy transportation.
During
the review, the Minister assessed cargo flows, vessel movements and operational
preparedness across key maritime sectors. He also examined the progress of the
proposed joint venture between Shipping Corporation of India and oil PSUs for
the acquisition of 59 vessels, a key component of India's maritime expansion
strategy.
“We must act with urgency to strengthen our
fleet, shipbuilding capacity, port infrastructure, and the broader maritime
ecosystem,” the Union Minister said, underscoring the need for a coordinated
national effort.
In
a significant policy directive, Sonowal instructed all concerned departments to
prepare a detailed yet actionable white paper identifying existing gaps,
defining clear targets and outlining a time-bound roadmap for the sector's
development. The document will be prepared in close coordination with the
Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and
Commerce and Industry.
“This
document will form the basis of our next review on a larger inter-ministerial
platform. I expect focused, practical and outcome-oriented inputs. Let us move
forward with clarity, coordination and commitment,” Union Minister Sarbananda
Sonowal added.
The
Minister also reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to the safety
and security of Indian seafarers, directing relevant agencies to maintain
heightened vigilance in sensitive maritime zones amid ongoing geopolitical
uncertainties.
The
meeting concluded with a strong call for enhanced coordination, faster
execution and deeper alignment among ministries, industry stakeholders and
maritime institutions. As India continues to monitor developments in the
region, the government remains firmly focused on building a globally competitive,
resilient and self-reliant maritime sector.
