India Sets Sail as the World’s Maritime Beacon: Modi Unveils Vision for a New Global Sea Power
India is positioning itself as a dependable lighthouse for global maritime progress, ready to guide international trade and strategic cooperation through turbulent waters.
Declaring that the nation stands prepared to lead at a time of global uncertainty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday envisioned India as a pivotal force in shaping the future of the world’s oceans.
Speaking at India Maritime Week-2025, a platform drawing participants from over 85 nations, the Prime Minister highlighted the sweeping transformation undertaken over the last decade to rejuvenate the maritime ecosystem and expand India’s global footprint.
“We represent a democracy that is vibrant, trustworthy and resilient. When the world faces stormy tides, it searches for a lighthouse. India is ready to stand tall as that lighthouse, guiding growth and stability,” Modi asserted.
The government has laid out a bold roadmap with ₹70,000 crore in fresh investment aimed at expanding domestic maritime capacity, developing modern shipyards, and building a robust ecosystem that can generate large-scale employment and attract global capital.
Framing India as a stabilising power amid global tensions, disrupted supply chains and shifting trade patterns, Modi said the country’s vision goes beyond national interest.
India today symbolises strategic autonomy and inclusive growth. True maritime progress is possible only when smaller island nations and least developed countries receive the tools, technology and infrastructure needed to thrive,” he said.
Emphasising unified action against climate change, maritime insecurity and economic uncertainty, the Prime Minister urged global cooperation to build a sustainable and prosperous future for generations ahead.
He noted that the participation of more than 85 countries reflects a deep and growing trust in India’s maritime leadership and economic direction.
Calling the past decade a period of historic transformation, Modi underlined key milestones:
- Port capacity has doubled
- Turnaround time has sharply reduced
- Cruise tourism has surged
- Cargo movement on inland waterways has jumped by 700%
- Operationalised waterways grew from 3 to 32
- Annual port surplus has increased ninefold
Today, Indian ports compete shoulder-to-shoulder with world leaders, and the World Bank Logistics Performance Index recognises India’s substantial leap in maritime efficiency.
The country now ranks among the top three globally in the number of seafarers, rising from 1.25 lakh to more than 3 lakh in just one decade.
Outlining future priorities, Modi placed emphasis on green maritime logistics, sustainable coastal development, enhanced connectivity and a renewed push in shipbuilding.
Recalling India’s centuries-old maritime heritage – from the sixth-century three-mast ships depicted in Ajanta caves to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s command of naval power – the Prime Minister said the country is reconnecting with its legacy.
“There is no port in the world where you will not find Indian ships or Indian seafarers,” he said. “After becoming a major force in shipbreaking, India is rising once again as a global maritime power.”
With strategic intent, massive investment and renewed global trust, India now charts a new course as a navigator of peace, prosperity and maritime resilience for the world.
