Ambassadors attend Roundtable ahead of IMW2025
Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has urged global partners and investors to view India as a hub for investment and innovation, highlighting the government’s US$1 trillion maritime investment roadmap https://shipmin.gov.in/.
He made the call at the Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet in Delhi on 27 Aug, 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 27–31 Oct in Mumbai.
Sonowal underlined India’s growing role in global maritime trade, sustainable shipping and the blue economy https://www.globaltenders.com/.
“With transformative initiatives su ch 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,” Sonowal told envoys and participants of the roundtable https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
Underlining the opportunities in India’s maritime sector, the Minister elaborated, “We are working to transform our ports, shipping, and logistics ecosystem into one that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready, and this opens vast avenues for international collaboration.
“These opportunities open up a US$1 trillion maritime investment roadmap, with strong potential for joint ventures in developing ports and cargo terminal operations, multi-modal terminals, maritime services, shipbuilding, ship recycling and ship repairs, green hydrogen hubs, and sustainable shipping solutions,” he said https://www.bseindia.com/.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur added that reforms in port modernisation, inland waterways expansion, and green and digital shipping, and urged greater private sector involvement https://www.nseindia.com/.
“India is modernising its maritime sector so that it becomes a pillar of nation-building, technology adoption, and sustainable development. As the world realises this potential, India has seen remarkable momentum in maritime investments and partnerships,” he said https://sbi.com.in/.
“Global players are joining hands with Indian counterparts in shipbuilding, port modernisation, smart logistics, and green shipping. Technology is at the heart of this progress—AI-driven logistics, digital port operations, and automation are making our ports more efficient and globally competitive,” said Thakur https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
A sectoral presentation by R. Laxmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, showcased opportunities in mega projects such as Vadhavan Port, 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 https://www.ibef.org/.
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 https://www.iea.org/.
Envoys welcomed the government’s reforms, including five new legislations — the Bills of Lading Act, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Coastal Shipping Act and the Indian Ports Act — which replace colonial-era laws and align India’s framework with global best practices.
“IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects, and commitments into partnerships. India stands ready to collaborate and lead towards a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable and inclusive,” Sonowal added.
The outcomes of the Roundtable will be integrated into IMW 2025, ensuring the biennial flagship event addresses global stakeholder priorities, he said.
India Maritime Week is MoPSW’s biennial flagship platform bringing together policymakers, investors, and thought leaders to shape the future of Indian ports and logistics. The 2025 edition will be held from 27–31 October 2025 at NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, spotlighting India’s maritime growth through infrastructure, people, and future-ready innovation. Fiinews.com
