India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 is set to become one of the most significant maritime events in the country’s history, showcasing India’s ambitions to become a global maritime leader. The event, to be held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, will bring together global and domestic stakeholders to explore opportunities in the maritime sector, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and investment.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Minister of Ports Development Nitesh Narayan Rane, recently reviewed preparations for the mega event. The meeting, held at Mantralaya in Mumbai, assessed venue readiness, logistics, security, and stakeholder coordination to ensure the seamless execution of the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the event and deliver the keynote address at the Global Maritime CEO Forum, underscoring the national importance of IMW 2025 in India’s vision to lead the global maritime landscape.
A High-Level Review to Ensure Readiness
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Government of Maharashtra. The leaders emphasized the importance of Mumbai’s preparedness as the host city, focusing on infrastructure, safety, and coordination among agencies.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed confidence in the ongoing preparations, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation. The review also highlighted the government’s goal to position Mumbai as a global hub for maritime innovation, investment, and collaboration, aligning with India’s broader maritime and blue economy vision.
India’s Long-Term Maritime Vision
Speaking after the meeting, Sarbananda Sonowal shared the government’s long-term goals for the maritime sector. He said,
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are transforming our ports, shipping, and logistics ecosystem into one that is resilient, sustainable, and future-ready. This opens vast avenues for international collaboration, including a 1 trillion US dollars maritime investment roadmap.”
Sonowal added that India Maritime Week 2025 will serve as a crucial platform to turn ideas into action, where policy discussions evolve into concrete projects and collaborations.
He emphasized that India’s maritime vision for 2047, aligned with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focuses on prosperity, sustainability, and pride in India’s maritime heritage. According to Sonowal, India is on track to attract ₹8 trillion in investments by 2047, which will generate 1.5 crore new jobs across the maritime and allied sectors.
Progress and Achievements in the Maritime Sector
India’s maritime sector has made remarkable progress in the last decade. The country’s ports and shipping infrastructure are being modernized to meet global standards while emphasizing environmental sustainability. Key achievements shared during the briefing include:
- Cargo movement on inland waterways has grown eightfold since 2014.
- Turnaround time at major ports has improved significantly, reducing by nearly 60%.
- Over ₹5.5 lakh crore worth of Sagarmala projects are currently reshaping India’s coastal logistics network.
- India has emerged as a global seafaring leader, contributing 12% of the world’s seafarers.
- All 12 major Indian ports are set to achieve carbon neutrality by 2047, with major progress toward green energy transition goals for 2035 already underway.
These milestones highlight India’s evolving maritime strength, balancing growth, efficiency, and sustainability.
IMW 2025: Scale, Participation, and Global Collaboration
India Maritime Week 2025 is expected to be one of the largest maritime gatherings ever organized in India. The event will host:
- Over 100,000 delegates
- More than 500 exhibitors
- Representation from over 100 countries
The summit will attract ministerial delegations from Singapore, the UAE, South Korea, Japan, and Denmark. In addition, leading international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), will take part.
Several Indian states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu will also showcase their maritime and port development initiatives. Major private and public sector companies such as Adani Ports and Logistics, Cochin Shipyard, and Paradip Port Authority are set to exhibit their innovations, investments, and partnerships.
Thematic Focus: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships
IMW 2025 will not just be an exhibition but a strategic forum for dialogue and collaboration. Its agenda covers the entire maritime ecosystem, including:
- Port modernization and connectivity
- Shipbuilding and ship repair
- Green ports and clean energy initiatives
- Coastal and inland waterway logistics
- Maritime digitalization and technology adoption
- Global trade and blue economy development
The event aims to foster collaboration between governments, industry, and academia, encouraging innovative solutions to shape the future of India’s maritime and logistics infrastructure.
Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that India stands ready to lead and collaborate toward a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive.
Mumbai – The Host City for Maritime Transformation
Mumbai, known as the “Maximum City,” will play a central role in hosting IMW 2025. Sonowal described it as the city that will “unlock maximum opportunities and maximize possibilities” during the event.
As India’s largest port city and financial hub, Mumbai’s hosting of IMW 2025 is symbolic. It reflects the city’s growing importance in maritime trade, logistics, and industrial growth. The event will further strengthen Maharashtra’s position as a maritime gateway, creating new opportunities for both public and private stakeholders.
Strengthening Global Maritime Leadership
With IMW 2025, India seeks to strengthen its global standing in the maritime domain. The event’s vision aligns with two major policy frameworks:
- Maritime India Vision 2030 – A strategic plan to enhance port capacity, logistics efficiency, and coastal community development.
- Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047 – A futuristic roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality, digital integration, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
By aligning with these long-term frameworks, IMW 2025 aims to establish India as a trusted maritime partner, driving innovation and sustainability in global trade and logistics.
Also read: India Recognises Three Major Ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs under National Green Hydrogen Mission
A Platform for Policy, Partnerships, and Progress
India Maritime Week 2025 will act as a policy platform where decision-makers, investors, and industry leaders can collaborate. Sessions will likely cover:
- Future trade corridors and shipping routes
- Maritime finance and insurance
- Port-led industrialization and coastal development
- Skill development and workforce opportunities
- Green shipping initiatives and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards
With participation from over 100 countries, IMW 2025 will provide a global view of how nations can cooperate to build a secure, resilient, and inclusive maritime ecosystem.
Steering Toward a Maritime Future
India’s maritime ambitions are entering a decisive phase. The upcoming India Maritime Week 2025 is more than just an event, it reflects India’s growing confidence, capability, and commitment to leading in the maritime space.
By combining ₹8 trillion in investment, 1.5 crore new jobs, and a clear vision for sustainability and digital transformation, India aims to anchor its position as a global maritime leader by 2047.
As the world’s attention turns to Mumbai for IMW 2025, the event promises to serve as a milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a key player in the global blue economy, where innovation, collaboration, and progress converge on a common horizon.
Source : PIB
