Addressing the CII EXIM Conference 2026 in Kolkata, Shri Shantanu Thakur emphasised that ports are not merely transit points but strategic enablers of India’s global trade ambitions. He noted that around 70% of India’s trade by value also moves through ports.
“Nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume and around 70% by value is handled through our ports,” he said, underscoring the sector’s significance in driving export competitiveness and economic expansion.
Infrastructure Push and Modernisation
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is implementing major reforms to modernise port infrastructure, enhance multimodal connectivity and boost logistics efficiency. Over the past decade, India’s port capacity has more than doubled.
The Minister highlighted improvements in cargo handling efficiency and reduced turnaround times at major ports, attributing the progress to mechanisation and digitalisation initiatives.
Link to Viksit Bharat 2047
As India moves toward its goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, export competitiveness will remain a key pillar of transformation. Shri Thakur said the maritime sector will play a decisive role in achieving the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
With sustained policy reforms and infrastructure investments, India aims to position itself among the world’s top shipping and maritime centres.
Reviving Shipbuilding Ambitions
The Minister also stressed the renewed focus on strengthening India’s shipbuilding ecosystem. Recent policy measures and budgetary support announced in the Union Budget aim to boost both coastal and inland shipbuilding sectors.
India’s strategic geographic location enhances its potential in global trade and shipbuilding. Shri Thakur said that with the right momentum and industry collaboration, India can emerge among the leading shipbuilding nations worldwide.
Industry Partnership Crucial
The Minister called upon industry leaders to actively participate in shaping a globally competitive maritime ecosystem. He credited reforms initiated since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for setting the foundation for port-led development.
“With your efforts and support, we will move India forward and bring our maritime sector to the forefront,” he stated, reinforcing the need for public-private collaboration.
Conference Highlights
The CII EXIM Conference 2026 brought together policymakers, business leaders and international partners to deliberate on strengthening India’s export ecosystem. Discussions centred on improving trade infrastructure, enhancing logistics performance and integrating supply chains.
The inaugural session was attended by Mr Aung Myo Thein, Consul General of Myanmar; Mr Shashwat Goenka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region; and Mr Sandeep Kumar, Chairman, CII ER International Trade Subcommittee, among other senior representatives.
As India strengthens its port-led growth strategy, the maritime sector is poised to become a defining pillar of economic resilience, export growth and global integration. The target of emerging as a top maritime powerhouse by 2047 reflects both ambition and strategic foresight.