Overview
The Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai on October 27, 2025. This five-day event, held at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, is the world’s largest maritime gathering and focuses on transforming India into a global maritime leader by 2047.
Key Highlights of IMW 2025
- Theme: “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision”
- Participants: Over 100,000 participants from 85 countries
- Exhibitors: 500 exhibitors
- Speakers: 350 speakers
- Conferences and Exhibitions: 12 concurrent events
Key Developments
Inaugural Address by Amit Shah
Amit Shah emphasized that the maritime sector represents India’s strength, stability, and sustainability. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s deep structural reforms, which have positioned India as an emerging force on the global maritime map. He noted India's strategic location with an 11,000 km coastline, 13 coastal states, and a 23.7 lakh square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone.
Statements by Sarbananda Sonowal
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, described IMW 2025 as a turning point in India’s maritime journey. He stated that India aims to triple its seaborne trade by 2047, supported by a fourfold increase in port capacity and the development of deep-draft mega ports. He also mentioned that 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.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, emphasized India’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and human resource development. The event included ministerial plenaries, bilateral meetings, and state-led sessions focused on these areas. Bilateral sessions were held with Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
Amrit Kaal Sessions
The Centre for Maritime Economy & Connectivity (CMEC) hosted the Amrit Kaal Sessions on ship registration and financing, drawing participation from global financiers, shipowners, and policymakers.
State Participation
Maritime-rich states such as 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
A special feature was “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” at the Jio World Convention Centre, a thought-leadership platform discussing connectivity, sustainability, and ocean governance.
Exam Relevance
This event is highly relevant for UPSC aspirants as it covers key aspects of India's maritime policy, infrastructure development, and international relations. The focus on sustainable development and the blue economy aligns with environmental concerns, making it crucial for GS2 and GS3 preparation.
Key Areas for UPSC Preparation
- Government Policies: Understanding the government's vision for the maritime sector.
- Infrastructure Development: Analyzing the growth in port capacity and inland waterways.
- International Relations: Examining India's maritime cooperation with other countries.
- Economic Development: Assessing the impact of the maritime sector on India's GDP.
- Sustainable Development: Evaluating India's efforts towards a green maritime future.
Important Facts
- India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 Inauguration: October 27, 2025, Mumbai
- Theme: “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision”
- Participants: Over 100,000 from 85 countries
- India's Seaborne Trade Target: Tripling by 2047
- Port Capacity: Nearly doubled to 2,700 MTPA
- Inland Waterways Cargo Growth: From 6.9 MMT to over 145 MMT in the last decade
- Indian Seafarers: Surged by 200 percent, reaching 3.2 lakh
- MAHASAGAR: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions