India’s strategic maritime position and democratic stability instrumental in bridging the Indo-Pacific and Global South: Amit Shah

“India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to create a new maritime history,” Shah said, adding, “We have a rich maritime legacy that dates back to 5,000 years. India’s maritime strategic position, democratic stability and naval capabilities are building a bridge between Indo-Pacific and Global South.”

Reflecting on the significance of the sector, he said, “Maritime activities contribute 60 per cent of our GDP. And our exclusive and special economic zones cover 23.7 lakh square kilometres.”

“The maritime summit provides a great platform for reflecting and evolving strategies through idea exchange and deliberations to transform Mumbai–which is known as the Gateway of India into Gateway of the World,” he said.
“At the summit, there will be a brainstorming of ideas to make the Gateway of India the Gateway of the World.

Over the past decade, structural reforms in the maritime economy have positioned India as an emerging global maritime power,” Shah said.

“With 11,000 kilometres of coastline and 13 coastal states and Union territories, India has the strategic advantage of location. Therefore, I urge the global investors to come forward and explore the huge opportunities,” he said.

According to Shah, “Almost half of India’s population lives in coastal regions. It provides huge potential for maritime trade and investment. The 28 countries of the Indian Ocean region contribute about 12 per cent to global exports. Through the summit, we open India’s vast maritime potential to global investors and industry.”

The India Maritime Week 2025 is being hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) from October 27 to 31 at NESCO Grounds in Mumbai. The stated objective is to provide a forum to global stakeholders to discuss innovation, sustainability, and growth in the maritime domain.

Earlier, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, speaking at the summit, said that India’s maritime summit plays a crucial role as a strong pillar in Viksit Bharat 2047.

“It assumes great importance with global participation from 85 countries, over 500 exhibitors and 40 forums. The theme of IMW 2025 – ‘Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision’ – reflects the timeless Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” Sonowal said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking at the gathering, said, “India’s biggest upcoming Wadhwan Port, once completed, will rank among the top ten ports globally. This landmark project will transform India into a global maritime power and firmly integrate the nation into the global trade and supply chain network.”

The recent launch of the Maharashtra shipbuilding policy 2025 is formulated in line with PM Narendra Modi vision of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This robust shipbuilding framework will strengthen India’s maritime manufacturing ecosystem and attract global and domestic investors, he said.

Fadnavis also expressed gratitude to the Union government for giving the state an opportunity to host the summit in Maharashtra, the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which had a historic legacy of maritime power.

Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi, and Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur attended the inaugural ceremony.

From the homepage

EC announces Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in 12 states, UTs

What happened behind the scenes – and a screen – when Vijay met families of Karur stampede victims?

Energy trade principles applied selectively: Jaishankar’s swipe at US after meeting Rubio