Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, highlighting India’s maritime progress and vision to become a global leader by 2047.
Mumbai, October 27, 2025: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the India Maritime Week – 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, today. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
In his inaugural address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized that Mumbai, home to the iconic Gateway of India, is now transforming into the “Gateway of the World.” He described this event as India’s Maritime Moment, underlining that structural reforms and investments have positioned India as a strong force in the global maritime sector.
He noted that India’s coastline stretches over 11,000 kilometers, with 13 coastal states and Union Territories contributing nearly 60 percent to the national GDP. He also highlighted that India’s 23.7 lakh square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has attracted global investors, with around 800 million people living in maritime states. According to Shri Shah, the 38 countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) account for 12 percent of global exports, and this summit presents an opportunity to showcase India’s maritime potential to the world.
Shri Amit Shah further stated that India’s maritime advantage, combined with democratic stability and strong naval capabilities, allows it to act as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and the Global South. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is ready to create a new chapter in its 5,000-year maritime history. Representatives from over 100 countries are attending this year’s conference, demonstrating India’s growing global partnerships.
Describing India Maritime Week as the most prestigious maritime dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region, Shri Shah said the 2025 edition will feature over 350 speakers, 500 companies, and 1 lakh delegates. The event is expected to generate investment opportunities worth ₹10 lakh crore. He emphasized that India’s approach is rooted in cooperation, not competition, and that the country is committed to connecting its maritime industry with the global ecosystem.
The Home Minister outlined Prime Minister Modi’s three-pillar vision for the maritime sector—security, stability, and self-reliance. Through initiatives like Sagarmala, Blue Economy, and Green Maritime Vision, India aims to rank among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations. New mega ports, digitalized port transport systems, and strategic connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and Eastern Maritime Corridor are part of this vision.
Highlighting the achievements under the Sagarmala project, Shri Shah stated that 839 projects worth $70 billion are planned for completion by March 2025, with 272 projects already finished. He also mentioned the ongoing $5 billion Great Nicobar Project, a $200 million dock at Cochin Shipyard, and the upcoming Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat. Legal reforms, including the new Indian Ports Bill 2025 and Major Port Authorities Act 2021, have been introduced to modernize maritime governance.
Shri Amit Shah added that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s maritime sector has become a symbol of national strength and global prosperity. He introduced the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions) policy as a key initiative reflecting India’s growing global presence.
India’s Blue Economy has also grown significantly, with coastal shipping increasing by 118 percent and cargo handling by 150 percent over the last decade. The government’s focus on green and sustainable maritime development aims to ensure economic growth alongside environmental responsibility. Shri Shah reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting small island nations and Global South countries that depend on marine ecosystems for survival.
About India Maritime Week 2025:
India Maritime Week is the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ biennial flagship event that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and investors from around the world. The 2025 edition focuses on advancing India’s maritime excellence through infrastructure, innovation, and international cooperation.
