Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk
India has secured a significant diplomatic and maritime achievement with its re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 biennium, earning the highest number of votes in Category B. This resounding victory reflects the global community’s trust in India’s leadership and ongoing commitment to the maritime domain.
The result highlights India’s expanding influence in shaping global maritime policies and its dedication to fostering safe, secure, environmentally responsible, and efficient maritime operations. Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India’s maritime sector has witnessed rapid growth, global engagement, and a renewed focus on sustainability and innovation.
The highest vote tally stands as a testament to India’s active role in global shipping and its contributions to strengthening international maritime cooperation. India’s vision of enhancing ocean governance, supporting seafarers, advancing maritime safety standards, and promoting green shipping has resonated strongly on the global stage.
As a member of the IMO Council, India reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of maritime transport, promoting collaboration among nations, and working towards cleaner and safer seas.
This accomplishment reinforces India’s determination to lead responsibly and effectively as the world navigates emerging challenges and opportunities in maritime affairs.
Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, marking the start of the world’s largest maritime gathering. Held under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision,” the five-day event brings together over 100,000 participants from 85 countries, including 500 exhibitors, 350 speakers, and 12 concurrent conferences and exhibitions.
IMW 2025 highlights India’s maritime resurgence and its vision of transforming the nation into a global maritime leader by 2047. In his inaugural address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said 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 declared. Shah noted that India’s strategic location, 11,000 kilometres of coastline, 13 coastal states, and 23.7 lakh square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone provide unparalleled maritime advantages. “Around 60 percent of our GDP is contributed by coastal states, and nearly 800 million people depend on the sea for their livelihood,” he added.
Highlighting India’s growing leadership in the Indo-Pacific, Shah said, “Leveraging its maritime position, democratic stability, and naval capability, India is acting as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and the Global South, fostering development, security, and environmental progress.” He emphasised that the government’s maritime policy, rooted in Prime Minister Modi’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. Our goal is to build a green maritime future that accelerates growth while maintaining harmony with nature.”
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described IMW 2025 as “a turning point in India’s maritime journey,” highlighting policy reform, digital transformation, and record investments. He noted India currently handles 10 percent of global seaborne trade and aims to triple this by 2047, supported by a fourfold increase in port capacity and development of deep-draft mega ports. India’s port capacity has nearly doubled to 2,700 MTPA, cargo handled has risen to 1,640 MMT, and inland waterways cargo has grown from 6.9 MMT to over 145 MMT in the last decade. The number of Indian seafarers has surged by 200 percent, reaching 3.2 lakh.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, emphasised India’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and human resource development, noting that India is building a smart, globally competitive maritime ecosystem that empowers industry, protects the environment, and connects Bharat to the world.
The inaugural day featured ministerial plenaries, bilateral meetings, and state-led sessions focused on innovation, sustainability, and investment. Bilateral sessions with Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia explored collaboration in shipbuilding, green ports, and maritime logistics. At the Plenary Session, global maritime leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Liberia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea emphasised cooperation, sustainable innovation, and shared responsibility in advancing a resilient blue economy.
Maritime-rich states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands showcased port-led industrial projects, blue economy initiatives, and maritime cluster development plans aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” provided a platform for diplomats, strategists, and experts to discuss connectivity, sustainability, and ocean governance.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Bhupendrabhai Patel (Gujarat), Dr. Pramod Sawant (Goa), Mohan Saran Majhi (Odisha), Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, alongside global delegates, industry captains, senior officials, and maritime students.
India Maritime Week 2025 continues through October 31, featuring over 100 thematic sessions, CEO roundtables, and ministerial dialogues. The event reflects India’s civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — as it connects global partners through shared maritime aspirations, cementing India’s position as a rising global maritime power.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
India is poised to become a global hub for maritime innovation and trade with the launch of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Scheduled to take place from 27–31 October 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, the event is already garnering global attention, with over 100 countries expected to participate.
IMW 2025 is envisioned as a flagship global platform that will not only showcase India’s growing maritime capabilities but also drive international collaboration and strategic investments across the maritime ecosystem. The event comes at a pivotal time as the world pivots toward sustainable shipping, digital transformation in logistics, and inclusive global trade practices.
For coastal nations, the week presents a unique opportunity to enhance maritime infrastructure, modernize port operations, and attract cutting-edge investments in shipping, logistics, and technology. Meanwhile, landlocked nations can explore ways to integrate with maritime trade routes, improve their connectivity to seaports, and broaden international access for their goods, services, and industries.
The event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, maritime experts, innovators, and investors on one platform to engage in dialogue, showcase advancements, and forge strategic partnerships. The holistic approach of IMW 2025 ensures that sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation are at the heart of every discussion.
With India’s growing stature as a maritime power and its strategic geographical location, India Maritime Week 2025 stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to advancing maritime excellence and facilitating shared prosperity through global collaboration.
