London/New Delhi | News Tanks
By Rohit Ramwapuri

Led by T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Indian delegation participated in the 134th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council held in London. At this high-level global forum, India not only expressed deep concerns regarding maritime safety and hazardous cargo incidents but also presented a comprehensive roadmap addressing gender equality, green shipping, digital maritime infrastructure, and international investment partnerships.

India’s Assertive and Evidence-Based Statement on Maritime Accidents

On the very first day of the session, India highlighted a series of serious maritime incidents in Indian waters involving foreign-flagged container ships. These incidents, caused by undeclared dangerous cargo, lithium-ion batteries, and structural stability issues, pose significant threats to safety and the marine environment. India urged the international maritime community to:

Conduct global, impartial investigations under the leadership of the IMO,

Strengthen existing international protocols related to IMDG Code packaging, declaration, and monitoring,

And initiate urgent reforms to container shipping safety frameworks.

It is particularly noteworthy that the role of ‘News Tanks’ in raising these concerns was instrumental. Over the past months, News Tanks consistently published in-depth, fact-based, and bold investigative reports on incidents like MSC ELSA-3, Magic Seas, and MV Champ Star. These stories not only drew attention within India’s maritime safety agencies but also echoed across international policymaking circles.

Global Recognition of India’s “Sagar Mein Samman” Gender Initiative

India showcased its alignment with the IMO’s Gender Inclusion Strategy through the national initiative “Sagar Mein Samman”, launched by the Directorate General of Shipping on 25 November 2024. The initiative aims to empower women from maritime entry-level roles to leadership positions while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.

India proudly highlighted a 650% increase in the number of women seafarers, marking a major milestone toward gender equity in the maritime sector.

T.K. Ramachandran’s Vision: India as a Global Maritime Power

T.K. Ramachandran stated, Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is entering a new era of maritime resurgence built on sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships.” He emphasized

India’s standing as a $4 trillion+ economy,

100% FDI allowance in shipping and shipbuilding sectors,

Tax and financial incentives at the GIFT City-based IFSC (10-year tax holiday, zero GST on ship imports, and no TDS on maritime transactions),

Expansion of port cargo handling capacity to ~3,500 MTPA by 2030 and ~10,000 MTPA by 2047,

And promotion of green energy sectors like offshore wind, hydrogen hubs, and green tug programs.

Digital Transformation and Alternative Maritime Corridors

India also presented its progress on digital innovations including:

The Maritime Single Window,

The One Nation-One Port (ONOP) process,

And MAITRI, a virtual trade corridor initiative for IMEEC countries.

Furthermore, India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening alternate trade corridors such as the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC), Eastern Maritime Corridor, and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Shipbuilding Progress and Investment Appeal

India informed that its global shipbuilding ranking has improved from 23rd to 16th, thanks to the Maritime Development Fund, dedicated shipbuilding clusters, and FDI liberalization.

Global stakeholders praised India’s liberalized flagging regime, tonnage tax framework, and blended financing models, viewing them as progressive steps to attract foreign investment.

Invitation to Maritime India Week 2025

T.K. Ramachandran extended a warm invitation to all international stakeholders to attend Maritime India Week 2025, to be held in Mumbai from 27 to 31 October 2025 — a flagship platform for networking, innovation, and investment dialogue.

Key Presentation by R. Lakshmanan

R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), Ministry of Jal Shakti, played a vital role at the session, delivering a comprehensive presentation on:

India’s maritime policy framework,

Opportunities for private port investments,

And the strategic significance of new maritime corridors.

His presentation particularly resonated with global investors and invited active participation in India’s maritime development journey.