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Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has emphasized the importance of the maritime sector in driving India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at India Maritime Week 2025, he highlighted that the sector has grown steadily over the last 11 years and continues to generate large-scale employment opportunities. He also referred to India's rich maritime history, noting that the country was a major sea power before colonial rule. Currently, around 95% of India's trade by volume and 70% by value take place through sea routes.
At the India Maritime Week 2025 event in Mumbai, Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that India will need to strengthen its focus on the maritime sector to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He pointed out that the maritime industry has seen significant progress over the past 11 years and now plays a major role in creating employment opportunities across ports, shipbuilding, and logistics. Advertisement
Mandaviya mentioned that the maritime sector connects India with global trade routes and that the country's economic growth is closely tied to its ability to strengthen this sector. He said India was once a strong maritime power until the 18th century, when British colonial rule disrupted its dominance and led to a long period of decline in traditional shipbuilding and trade.
Reflecting on India's maritime heritage, he also noted that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama did not truly discover the sea route to India but followed paths that had already been navigated by Gujarati sailors. This, he said, showed India's deep and historic connection with sea trade and navigation.
At present, about 95% of India's trade by volume and nearly 70% by value move through sea routes, underlining the sector's importance for the country's economy. Mandaviya added that countries which have historically ruled the seas have often held strong positions in global trade and politics.
To build on this potential, the government is working towards developing a strong ecosystem that supports shipbuilding, port modernization, and allied maritime industries. Efforts are being made to improve port connectivity, expand coastal shipping, and promote skill development in maritime professions. Mandaviya emphasized that such steps would not only enhance India's trade competitiveness but also contribute to the long-term economic growth required to reach developed nation status by 2047.
He also stressed that a stronger maritime base will reduce India's dependence on foreign shipping, increase exports, and create sustainable job opportunities across coastal regions. The minister highlighted that continued investment and policy focus on the maritime economy will help India reclaim its historic position as a leading maritime nation.
Source PTI
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