PM Modi Urges Global Investors to Capitalise on India’s Booming Shipping Sector
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged global investors to seize the “right time” to invest in India’s rapidly growing shipping and maritime sector, highlighting the vast opportunities and reforms underway in the industry.
Addressing the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, the Prime Minister said, “For all of you coming from different countries, this is the right time to invest and expand in the Indian shipping sector.”
Following his address, Modi held a closed-door meeting with leading global CEOs, including DP World Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, AP Moller-Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla, Mediterranean Shipping Company CEO Soren Toft, Adani Ports & SEZ MD Karan Adani, and CMA-CGM Senior Vice President Ludovic Renou.
Emphasising India’s strong policy framework, Modi said the country allows 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the shipping and ports sector and offers attractive incentives under the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative. He invited global partners to contribute ideas, innovations, and investments to help India achieve its maritime goals.
The Prime Minister outlined India’s ambitious plans to build world-class mega ports, expand capacity at 12 major ports by four times, and boost the country’s share in global containerised cargo. He cited the ongoing development of the Vadhavan Port near Mumbai as a key milestone, noting that it entered the world’s top 10 on its very first day of operations.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to global supply chain resilience, Modi said over 150 new initiatives have been launched under the Maritime India Vision, leading to doubled port capacities, reduced turnaround times, and growth in cruise tourism.
Highlighting international participation, Modi noted that delegates from over 85 countries, including top executives, policymakers, and innovators, attended the event—signifying strong global confidence in India’s maritime potential.
He also thanked the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) for investing nearly ₹8,000 crore in the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority’s fourth terminal, calling it the largest FDI in India’s port sector.
“This is a moment of great opportunity. Together, we can make India a hub of global maritime trade,” the Prime Minister concluded.
