Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged the central government to designate the state as a permanent host for the India Maritime Week, positioning Mumbai as a pivotal global maritime hub amid India's expanding blue economy. Speaking at a high-level review meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday, Fadnavis emphasized the event's potential to catalyze investments and technological advancements in the sector, which contributes over 2.5% to India's GDP and handles 95% of the nation's trade by volume. The proposal aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Sagarmala initiative, aimed at modernizing ports and coastal infrastructure to unlock $100 billion in annual economic value by 2030.

The India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October 27-31 at Mumbai's NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, will feature Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the inaugurator and an anticipated visit from Prime Minister Modi. Organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways alongside the Indian Ports Association, the five-day extravaganza will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators for discussions on maritime policy reforms, sustainable shipping practices, green technologies, and international collaborations.

With over 500 exhibitors and 50,000 expected visitors from 50 countries, the event builds on the success of its 2024 edition in Kochi, which generated leads worth Rs 5,000 crore and spotlighted innovations like hydrogen-fueled vessels and AI-driven logistics.

Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra's strategic assets, including the upgraded Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)—India's largest container handler with a 5.5 million TEU capacity—and the forthcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar, a Rs 76,000 crore mega-project set to become the nation's deepest at 20 meters, capable of accommodating mega-ships and boosting trade by 25%. "Mumbai has immense potential for economic development, and Maharashtra has always contributed significantly to the nation's growth," Fadnavis stated, noting the state's 720-km coastline supports 48 minor ports and employs over 2 million people. He assured a business-friendly ecosystem, with streamlined approvals and incentives under the Maharashtra Maritime Policy 2023, to attract foreign direct investment exceeding Rs 10,000 crore annually.

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Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who attended the meeting, endorsed the vision, praising Mumbai's infrastructure and connectivity as ideal for such forums. "Maharashtra offers vast opportunities for investment in the maritime sector, which would benefit industries," Sonowal remarked, pointing to synergies with global players like Maersk and DP World. The push for permanence comes as India eyes a tripling of port capacity to 3,000 million tonnes by 2030, amid challenges like climate resilience and supply chain disruptions.

If approved, hosting rights could solidify Maharashtra's role, fostering job creation for 1 million youth and elevating the state's GDP share from 15% to 20% through maritime-led growth. As preparations intensify, the event promises to chart a course for India's maritime renaissance.

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