Despite having one of the world’s longest coastlines, India has largely ignored the coast and the sea in the past, but it has changed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
“India has a rich history of maritime trade. Indeed, the country's maritime history is magnificent. However, in modern times, we have been blind to the maritime economy, but this blindness is ending under the vision of PM Modi. We plan to recapture and reclaim India's glorious shipping past,” Sonowal said at THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2024 in Chennai.
The Union minister said that while the maritime sector faces numerous challenges such as global geopolitical tensions and the rapidly evolving dynamics of international and domestic trade and commerce, it also presents significant opportunities.
Emphasising that the ongoing initiatives are inspired by PM Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, Sonowal said the aim is to position India as a Maritime Vishwaguru (world leader) through "a series of transformational measures for enhancement of cargo handling capacity, productivity enhancement, modernisation, mega port construction, ship building initiatives and other green and sustainable shipping and maritime activities".
Blue economy will have far-reaching global benefits, he said. The Union minister also highlighted India's plans to be one of the top five countries in shipbuilding in the near future and also announced the establishment of shipbuilding clusters. He also spoke about the digital initiatives undertaken by his ministry for the fast development of the maritime sector.
The Union minister also lauded THE WEEK for organising the conclave. "I am happy THE WEEK, which is published from Kochi - the Queen of the Arabian Sea - has taken this initiative to organise such a summit. Avenues such as this Maritime Summit provide an opportunity for such stakeholders to connect, collaborate and evolve a vibrant maritime ecosystem."
The theme of the conclave—Voyage to Innovation: Navigating the Future—is in alignment with India’s Maritime Vision 2047. During his presidential address, Riyad Mathew, chief associate editor & director, reaffirmed THE WEEK's support to India’s efforts to become a maritime leader.
The Union Minister thanked THE WEEK for its commitment, and said, "Our media plays an important role in national building and needs to be an active partner in our endeavour towards creating, promoting, and propagating a dynamic maritime position."
THE WEEK, India’s most circulated magazine, has been at the forefront of showcasing India’s maritime progress. In the inaugural edition of its maritime conclave, THE WEEK has assembled experts across the maritime domain to drive discussions on port modernisation and on strengthening India's position on the global maritime stage.
The day-long conclave will be graced by Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, along with senior ministry and port officials, naval officers, private sector leaders, diplomats, academics, financiers, and other key stakeholders.
Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, E.V. Velu, extended his best wishes and support for the conclave.