Highlighting India’s progress in the maritime domain and the recent reforms in maritime laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday (October 29, 2025) that India can play the role of a steady lighthouse amid global tensions.
“When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India can play that role very strongly. Amid global tensions, trade disruptions, and shifting supply chains, India stands as a symbol of strategic autonomy, peace, and inclusive growth,” he said, batting for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor. “It will redefine trade routes and promote clean energy and smart logistics.”
He was speaking at the NESCO ground, addressing the Maritime Leaders’ Conclave at the India Maritime Week in Mumbai. He also met the CEOs of major port and logistics companies.
During the event, the PM launched initiatives for shipping and ship-building worth ₹2.2 lakh crore, which includes the acquisition of 437 vessels. Several MoUs in sectors like port-led industrialisation, port development, sustainability and ship building have been signed during the India Maritime Week, in a bid to promote shipping as core infrastructure.
This is the fourth edition of the summit. “In 2016, the maiden India Maritime Week was held in Mumbai itself. Today, it has become a global summit. 85 countries have participated in it today. This itself sends a very big message. Shipping giants, start-ups, policy makers, and investors are all present here,” PM Modi said, adding that the MoUs showed the confidence of the world in India’s maritime capabilities.
