Key Highlights
- Inauguration by Home Minister Amit Shah underscored India’s maritime self‑reliance.
- Geographical assets: 7,500‑km coastline, 23.7 lakh sq km EEZ, 13 coastal states.
- Vadhavan Port announced as the country’s largest, ranking within global top‑ten.
- Event theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision” highlights connectivity across Indo‑Pacific and Global South.
Detailed Insights
Maritime Vision and Strategic Positioning – India positions itself as a vital link between the Indo‑Pacific and the Global South, leveraging democratic stability and expanding naval capabilities.
Event Scale and Participation – The week has grown into a leading world forum, drawing 85 countries, over 500 exhibitors, and 40 specialised forums.
Infrastructure & Port Development – The Vadhavan port project signals a surge in national port capacity, boosting commerce and connectivity.
Shipbuilding Corridor – States such as Goa, Odisha and Gujarat are central to a focused investment corridor aimed at strengthening the shipbuilding and repair ecosystem.
Blue Economy & Technology – Emphasis on digitalisation, green ports and sustainable ocean assets aligns the sector with the 2047 vision of a “Viksit Bharat”.
Key Concepts
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – Coastal waters extending thirty‑five nautical miles from shore where a state has sovereign rights over resources.
- Maritime Power – A country’s ability to influence sea‑level security, trade and policy through naval, economic and diplomatic tools.
- Blue Economy – Economic activities derived from oceans that promote sustainable growth, including fisheries, tourism, and maritime logistics.
- Digitalisation of Ports – Integration of IT systems, automation and data analytics to enhance port efficiency and connectivity.
- Viksit Bharat – The envisioned developed India by 2047, using sectors like maritime as pillars of national progress.