Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared an article authored by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, which elaborates on how India’s robust and expanding industrial framework, driven by the ‘Make in India’ initiative, coupled with efforts to modernise, mechanise, and digitise its ports, is positioning the country as a key player along the bustling east-west trade route.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “In this must-read article, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal explains how a growing and resilient industrial base with ‘Make in India’ impetus and efforts to modernise, mechanise, and digitise ports along the busy east-west trade route have provided the country with a unique advantage. He highlights that the government’s $8 billion package to rejuvenate India’s shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem is not a routine budget line but a signal of ambition.”
Earlier, Sonowal had posted on X, saying, “Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji led the government’s $8 billion package to reimagine, revive and rejuvenate India’s shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem is not a routine budget line but a signal of ambition. I explain how India can lead the global shift to green shipping.”
In his detailed article, Sonowal described a “quiet revolution” taking place in the global maritime sector, with countries accelerating efforts toward decarbonisation. He noted that as global emission standards tighten and the industry shifts to low-carbon shipping, India is uniquely positioned at a “rare confluence of opportunity and capability.”
Sonowal highlighted India’s inherent strengths, including some of the lowest renewable energy costs in the world, a strong industrial foundation, and a skilled maritime workforce. He argued that these advantages position India to spearhead the global transition to green maritime practices.
The Union Minister emphasised that the recently approved ₹69,725 crore ($8 billion) maritime package represents a landmark initiative to overhaul and revitalise India’s shipbuilding and port ecosystem. “This is not a routine budget line but a signal of ambition — a commitment that India will take a meaningful role in the global shift to low-carbon shipping,” he wrote.
Sonowal further detailed that the initiative aims to establish India as a leader in the emerging green maritime economy by developing “green-ready” ports such as Deendayal, VOC, and Paradip. These ports are equipped with the infrastructure and potential to serve as future hubs for green fuel production and bunkering.
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The article also stressed the significance of green shipping corridors, both domestic (such as the Kandla–VOC corridor) and international (connecting India with Singapore and Rotterdam). These corridors are designed to consolidate demand for green fuels and attract substantial investments.
Sonowal underscored that building a comprehensive green maritime ecosystem would not only advance environmental objectives but also deliver “commercial and strategic gains”. These include boosting exports, creating skilled job opportunities, and ensuring that India’s ports remain competitive in a global economy increasingly constrained by carbon regulations.
He concluded by asserting that India’s $8 billion maritime initiative reflects the government’s determination “not just to adapt to a changing world but to shape it.”
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