PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai

Mumbai, India (Urban Transport News):  Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the highly anticipated third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 through a virtual event held in Mumbai. The summit served as the platform for the unveiling of the 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047', a comprehensive blueprint designed to steer the Indian maritime blue economy in the right direction. Significantly, the Prime Minister also took the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for several projects valued at over Rs 23,000 crores, all aligned with the principles of the 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047'.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to all participants of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023. Reflecting on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, he highlighted the ongoing transformation of the global order, with the world turning its attention towards India with fresh aspirations. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence in India's economy, which continues to strengthen amid the global economic crisis, and he envisioned a future where India would rank among the top three economies worldwide.

Emphasizing the crucial role of sea routes in global trade, the Prime Minister underscored the need for establishing a dependable global supply chain in the post-pandemic era. He underscored India's historical contributions to the maritime sector, citing the significant strides made in recent years. He specifically mentioned the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor, poised to replicate the economic impact of the ancient Silk Route. With a focus on improving logistical efficiency and job creation, the Prime Minister extended a call to global investors to participate in India's transformative initiatives.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the revolutionary changes witnessed in the maritime sector, including the doubling of the capacity of major ports in India over the last decade. He also shed light on the SagarMala Project and the reduction in turnaround time for vessels, underlining the government's efforts to enhance the ease of living and employment opportunities for citizens.

The Prime Minister reiterated the government's vision of 'Ports for Prosperity and Ports for Progress', emphasizing the encouragement of 'Ports for Productivity'. He outlined the initiatives aimed at making the logistics sector more efficient, modernizing coastal shipping modes, and enhancing the handling of cargo on national waterways. With a focus on the shipbuilding and repair sector, the Prime Minister envisioned India's ascent to become one of the top five shipbuilding nations in the next decade. The mantra 'Make in India - Make for the world' encapsulated the essence of India's maritime ambitions, with a strong emphasis on sustainability through the development of a carbon-neutral maritime sector.

Highlighting the potential for maritime tourism in India, the Prime Minister emphasized the cultural heritage and coastal ecosystem, drawing attention to the rich history of the Lothal Dockyard, a cradle of shipping dating back almost five thousand years. He underscored the development of cruise terminals in various Indian cities, signifying India's transition towards becoming a global hub for cruise tourism.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister extended an open invitation to global investors, emphasizing India's unique blend of development, demography, democracy, and demand. He encouraged investors to explore the promising opportunities available in the country as it progresses toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, was present during the event, underscoring the government's commitment to the growth and development of the maritime sector in India.