Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that India’s maritime position, democratic stability, and naval capabilities are playing a crucial role in bridging the Indo-Pacific and the Global South while contributing to development, security, and environmental sustainability through its growing maritime presence.
Addressing the inauguration of the fourth India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Shah highlighted India’s rich maritime legacy, noting that historical evidence of trade from the ancient port of Lothal to Egypt dates back 5,000 years. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is prepared to create a new chapter in its maritime history.
“India’s maritime position, democratic stability, and naval capabilities are building a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and the Global South. Historical evidence of India’s maritime history dates back 5,000 years. Today, under PM Modi’s leadership, India stands ready to create new maritime history,” Shah said.
The Home Minister stated that the ongoing summit will serve as a platform to exchange ideas and strategies to transform Mumbai—known as the Gateway of India—into the “Gateway of the World.”
“This summit will brainstorm ideas to make the Gateway of India the Gateway of the World. Over the past decade, structural reforms in the maritime economy have positioned India as an emerging global maritime power,” he said.
Highlighting India’s vast coastline and strategic location, Shah invited global investors to explore opportunities in the country’s expanding maritime sector. “India’s coastline stretches over 11,000 kilometres and includes 13 coastal states and Union Territories. Maritime activities contribute around 60 per cent to our GDP. Our exclusive and special economic zones span nearly 23.7 lakh square kilometres,” he said.
Shah also noted that nearly half of India’s population lives in coastal regions, presenting immense potential for maritime trade and investment. “The 28 countries of the Indian Ocean region contribute about 12 per cent to global exports. Through this Maritime Summit, we are opening up India’s vast maritime potential to global investors and industry leaders,” he added.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is hosting India Maritime Week 2025 from October 27 to 31 at NESCO Grounds in Mumbai, bringing together global stakeholders to discuss innovation, sustainability, and growth in the maritime domain.
-ANI