The government of India, as part of its effort to make the country a maritime superpower, announced an ambitious plan centered on its commercial fleet, port infrastructure and shipyards.
In the same vein, the Minister of Ports and Shipping of India, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that the hostilities in the Middle East, and by extension the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighted more than ever weaknesses in the country’s autonomy, against which it must be fortified. It is noted that, as a consequence of the navigation conditions prevailing in the Strait of Hormuz, dozens of Indian ships have been “trapped” in the Arabian Gulf, loaded with cargo valuable to the country.
Regarding the plan to strengthen India’s capabilities in the shipping industry, it initially aims to strengthen the state fleet with up to 62 ships during the fiscal year 2026-2027. This plan will be supported by the government of India, with an investment of $5.4 billion. The goal of the Asian country – and a priority of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – is its independence from foreign carriers. This fact, combined with revisions of cabotage regulations in India, has prompted liner shipping giants such as CMA CGM, Maersk, MSC and Hapag-Lloyd to initiate procedures to register their ships in the Indian registry.
Strengthening the shipbuilding sector is also a priority for the government in New Delhi. By implementing financing programs, India is intensifying its efforts to give new dimensions to its shipbuilding industry, aiming to be among the top five shipbuilding countries by 2047.
