PM Modi said, India’s maritime sector is moving forward with great speed and energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (October 29) said India’s maritime sector is growing with great speed and energy, adding that the country’s ports are now counted among the most efficient in the developing world.

“We have replaced more than a century-old colonial shipping laws with modern and futuristic laws fit for the 21st century,” Modi said while addressing the Maritime Leaders Conclave at the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.

“Today, India’s ports are counted among the most efficient ports in the developing world. In many aspects, they are outperforming even the developed world,” Modi said.

The new shipping laws strengthen the role of state maritime boards and promote the integration of digital technologies in port management, he said.

He said, more than 150 initiatives have been launched under the Maritime India Vision, which have resulted in significant reforms in the maritime sector.

The capacity of India’s major ports has doubled and turnaround time has significantly reduced, Modi said.

Cruise tourism has taken off significantly and there has been significant growth on inland waterways, he said, with cargo movement increasing by more than 700%.

He said the number of operational waterways has increased from just three to an impressive 32. “Furthermore, the net annual surplus of our ports has seen a nine-fold increase in the last decade,” Modi said.

PM said, the maritime sector is giving impetus to India’s development. He said that there has been a lot of change in the last decade, which has given a boost to trade and port infrastructure.