Kolkata, 06 March (H.S.) : Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur said that the Sagarmala programme and the shipbuilding industry will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s maritime sector and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global trade.

Addressing the national maritime security dialogue titled “Sagar Sankalp: Reclaiming India’s Maritime Glory” in Kolkata on Friday, Thakur said India’s vast maritime geography offers significant opportunities for economic expansion. He urged policymakers, maritime experts, and industry representatives to work together to fully utilize the country’s maritime potential.

Highlighting India’s strategic advantages, the minister said the country has a coastline of more than 7,500 kilometres, around 14,500 kilometres of navigable waterways, and a strategic location close to major global trade routes. Leveraging these strengths, he said, India can significantly accelerate port-led industrial development.

Thakur explained that the Sagarmala initiative aims to reduce logistics costs, improve port efficiency, and make trade more competitive through coastal shipping and inland waterways. The programme focuses on port modernization, infrastructure development, job creation in coastal areas, and sustainable development of coastal communities.

The minister also stressed that the shipbuilding sector has been given a prominent place in the government’s long-term maritime strategy. Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the government plans investments of nearly ₹3 lakh crore to develop shipbuilding clusters across the country.

According to Thakur, the government aims to bring India among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and among the top five globally by 2047. He said this will significantly strengthen maritime security, trade capacity, and industrial growth.

He further noted that rapid progress is being made toward building an Atmanirbhar Bharat in the maritime and shipbuilding sectors, and emphasized that industry stakeholders must prepare for emerging technological challenges and opportunities.

Referring to the strategic importance of the 10-Degree Channel in the Indian Ocean region, Thakur said the maritime passage is crucial for India’s security and trade interests.

He concluded by stating that with strong port infrastructure, modern shipbuilding capabilities, and an active maritime industry, India has the potential to establish maritime leadership in South Asia. Thakur called upon all stakeholders to work collectively to realize the country’s maritime vision.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh