India aims to be among top five global shipbuilders by 2047: Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

India targets a rank among top five global shipbuilding nations by 2047, Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Monday. Speaking at the Singapore Maritime Week, he said this will be achieved through policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades.

According to Sonowal, a $ 20 billion investment would enhance logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation. These measures will address supply chain vulnerabilities by developing key corridors like India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the Eastern Maritime Corridor, and the North-South Transport Corridor to secure trade routes.

He said sustainability is central to India’s maritime strategy.


“We are advancing green port infrastructure, promoting low-emission shipping, and supporting innovation in low-carbon vessels. Three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports— Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip—will drive alternative fuel adoption and green hydrogen production,” Sonowal said.

According to the minister, India is also leading the IMO’s Green Voyage 2050 initiative, helping developing nations in their energy transitions.

Sonowal said Indian Ports aim to grow their global cargo share from 6% to 15% by 2047, supported by a Maritime Development Fund for fleet and shipyard expansion. He said the maritime sector faces both challenges and opportunities, from climate change and geopolitics to digital disruption and shifting trade patterns.

An official statement said Sonowal had a bilateral meeting with his French counterpart, Philippe Tabarot. Both leaders discussed possible collaboration on maritime investment to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure, enhance connectivity (including for IMEC), and promote sustainable growth.

The two leaders explored opportunities to leverage France’s maritime technology and sustainability expertise with India’s strategic location and growing shipping sector, the statement added.