In his post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi referred to Sonowal’s article as a “must-read” for understanding India’s industrial transformation. The article outlines how a focus on domestic manufacturing and technological upgrades is strengthening India’s industrial landscape, making it more resilient to global economic fluctuations.
“The growing and resilient industrial base, fueled by the ‘Make in India’ initiative, is helping the country emerge as a global manufacturing hub,” the Prime Minister noted, highlighting the strategic importance of domestic production in sectors ranging from shipbuilding to heavy machinery.
Modernising Ports Along Key Trade Routes
The article emphasizes efforts to modernize, mechanize, and digitize India’s ports along the busy east-west trade route. These enhancements are aimed at increasing cargo handling efficiency, reducing turnaround time, and enabling seamless international trade, thereby strengthening India’s position in the global maritime ecosystem.
“Digitized and mechanized ports are not just infrastructure upgrades; they are catalysts for faster trade, industrial growth, and economic resilience,” the Prime Minister observed, underlining how these developments complement the ‘Make in India’ drive.
$8 Billion Maritime Package: A Signal of Ambition
Shri Sonowal’s article also highlights the government’s $8 billion package to rejuvenate India’s shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. PM Modi stressed that this is not a routine budgetary allocation, but a clear signal of India’s ambition to emerge as a leading maritime power.
The package aims to modernize shipyards, support domestic vessel manufacturing, enhance port infrastructure, and promote technological innovations, ensuring that India’s maritime sector remains competitive on the global stage.
Strategic Advantage for India
By integrating industrial growth with advanced port infrastructure, India is positioned to leverage its unique geographical advantage along major trade routes. PM Modi’s emphasis on the combination of ‘Make in India’ and maritime modernization underscores the government’s vision to make India a self-reliant, globally competitive economy.