India aims for top 10 spot in global shipbuilding by 2030: Sonowal
India is poised to emerge among the top 10 global ship manufacturers by 2030, according to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Speaking at Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue on Tuesday, Sonowal highlighted India’s ambitions in the maritime sector, emphasizing its strategic importance and potential.
“India possesses a rich talent pool and abundant resources, which position us well to become a significant shipbuilding nation. We aim to break into the top 10 shipbuilding countries by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching the top 5 by 2047,” Sonowal stated.
The minister also underscored the transformative role of the Global South in shaping ocean trade in the 21st century and engaged with technical experts on fostering a sustainable, circular blue economy. The discussions during the dialogue revolved around balancing sustainability at sea with solutions to the challenges posed by global trade demands.
 Maritime Sector: India’s Economic Backbone
India’s maritime sector plays a critical role in the nation’s economy, handling approximately 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value. As the sixteenth-largest maritime nation globally, India sits strategically on major international shipping routes, with most cargo vessels between East Asia and continents such as America, Europe, and Africa passing through its waters.
The country’s port infrastructure includes 12 major ports and over 200 notified minor and intermediate ports. These facilities collectively managed 819.22 million tonnes of cargo in the financial year 2024, marking a 4.45% increase compared to the previous year. The surge aligns with rising merchandise exports, which climbed from $417 billion in FY22 to $451 billion in FY23.
 A Thriving Maritime Industry
India’s contributions to the global maritime industry extend beyond shipbuilding. The nation boasts a fleet of 1,530 ships under its flag (as of 2023) and ranks as the world’s third-largest ship recycler by tonnage.
As part of its broader vision, Sonowal also launched the Cruise Bharat Mission, which seeks to enhance India’s profile in global ocean trade and tourism.
With these initiatives and a focus on sustainability and innovation, India is steering its maritime sector toward greater prominence, aiming to shape the future of global shipping and trade.
