The excavation of Lothal revealed a lot about the port building capability of the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Seventy years ago experts from the archaeological survey of India excavated the site of Lothal and they found vessels and tools that revealed a lot about about that time. The Indus Valley people had built the earliest dock in the world where ships could dock and also be repaired. That was indeed a mind blowing discovery. It also spoke about the people's ability to sail to distant lands through the sea. This skill also helped our people to travel to distant lands by sea for trade. Shantanu Thakur, (Minister of State) Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways made these observations during the closing address of the the THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2024 in Chennai.
He said that under PM Modi the world is listening to India with rapt attention and everyone is looking at our country with new hope and discussing the possibilities and opportunities in different fields. The Maritime Mission launched by PM Modi 2022 is aimed at making India a maritime giant. The government is partnering with the public and private sector in creating a modern infrastructure for the best maritime industry in the world.
He mentioned about PM Modi's launching different infrastructure projects in Kochi a few months back. Thakur said that it will help not only big vessels to dock but will also reduce India's dependence on foreign countries due to ship repair work in India that will in turn help save foreign exchange. “I come from West Bengal and hope that the ship building sector in our area is developed. I would like to request all different stake holders to develop mega ship building sector in that region,” said Thakur.
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He congratulated THE WEEK for organising the conclave as different varied subjects in maritime segment were discussed during the conclave. “Our ministry is determined to make the Indian Maritime Economy a world class opportunity for both the public and the private sector. The ministry has already has put in place certain best processes in the world in this sector,” Thakur remarked.