India plans to handle its entire export-import trade using Indian-flagged and domestically built ships by 2047, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign shipping and become a major global maritime power, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said at the Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue in New Delhi. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines a self-reliant maritime ecosystem across ports, shipping, shipbuilding, ship repair, maritime education, and skills development.
Sonowal emphasized that India wants to become self-reliant in shipbuilding by building sufficient domestic capacity to meet the country’s shipping requirements and reduce dependence on foreign-flagged vessels. The government targets a port cargo-handling capacity of 10,000 million tonnes by 2047, a significant increase from current levels. The plan also includes enabling Indian shipyards to compete for international orders, strengthening the country’s position as a global maritime hub.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals to expand its maritime sector and reduce import dependence. By 2047, India aims to rank among the world’s top five shipbuilding nations. The strategy complements other efforts such as the India-EU green shipping corridor, which is expected to position India as a key supplier of green fuels for the global shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy, according to industry leaders at the same event.
The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 sets a clear target for India’s maritime sector, with a focus on self-reliance and global competitiveness. The government’s goal to expand port cargo-handling capacity to 10,000 million tonnes by 2047 reflects a long-term commitment to transforming India into a major maritime power, as stated by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal.