Shipping Ministry Hosts Ambassadors Roundtable Meet to Discuss India's Maritime Sector Ahead of IMW 2025

The Shipping Ministry recently hosted the Ambassadors Roundtable Meet, setting the stage for the upcoming India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai. This gathering included ambassadors and high commissioners from over 25 nations, alongside senior officials and industry leaders. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, chaired the event.

Sonowal emphasised India's maritime sector's strategic role in boosting trade, fostering innovation, and enhancing global connectivity. He reiterated the government's dedication to transforming this sector into a catalyst for economic growth, sustainability, and international cooperation. "The power of water is empowering the global society to grow in many aspects of human civilisation. That is why we should explore the power and resources of water, without affecting our ecology and environment. We have to have a sustainable world as a family, with environment, ecology, better climate for a better future," Sonowal said.

Focus on International Cooperation

R Laxmanan, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), presented a detailed overview of the agenda for IMW 2025. His presentation highlighted emerging opportunities for international cooperation, private sector involvement, and innovation-driven growth within the maritime sector.

India Maritime Week serves as the ministry's biennial flagship event. It gathers national and international policymakers, investors, and thought leaders to discuss and shape the future of Indian ports and logistics. The 2025 edition will focus on India's progress towards maritime excellence through people-centric approaches, infrastructure development, and a vision geared towards future readiness.

Positioning India as a Global Maritime Hub

Sonowal summarised that initiatives under IMW 2025 aim to position India as a global maritime hub. The event will foster deeper engagement with India's international partners while providing a platform for discussions on maritime advancements.

The minister highlighted that water's potential can drive societal growth across various facets of human civilisation. He stressed the importance of exploring water resources sustainably to ensure ecological balance and environmental protection.

The Ambassadors Roundtable Meet underscored India's commitment to advancing its maritime sector through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. This approach aligns with the country's broader goals of economic development and global collaboration.

With inputs from PTI