Kalpesh Mhamunkar mumbai

India is ready to script a new chapter in the country’s maritime history, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in his address at the India Maritime Week here on Monday. The maritime sector represents India’s strength, stability, and sustainability. “This is India’s maritime moment—one that is transforming the Gateway of India into the Gateway of the World,” he said.

“Due to the deep structural reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India today stands as an emerging force on the global maritime map.” Shah noted that India’s strategic location and extensive coastline provide it with unparalleled maritime advantages.

“Our 11,000 kilometres long coastline, 13 coastal states, and 23.7 lakh square kilometre exclusive economic zone make India a natural maritime power. Around 60% of our GDP is contributed by coastal states, and nearly 800 million people depend on the sea for their livelihood,” Shah underlined.

Shah emphasised that the government’s maritime policy, rooted in PM’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aims to strengthen India’s role as a global maritime hub. “India’s maritime strength lies not in competition but in cooperation,” he said. “Our goal is to build a green maritime future that accelerates growth while maintaining harmony with nature.”

He said the $5 billion Great Nicobar Island Development Project will increase the country's maritime trade multiple times.  India began construction of the ambitious infrastructure project in 2021, aiming to transform the island in the Bay of Bengal.

With initiatives like Sagar, Sagarmala, Gati Shakti, and Samudrayan, India has strengthened its maritime infrastructure, placing itself among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations. New ports are being developed rapidly, and major ports such as Vadhavan are set to join the list of the top 10 ports globally.