In the Land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”: CM Devendra Fadnavis Showcases Maharashtra’s Maritime Power at India Maritime Week 2025

Mumbai once again takes center stage in shaping India’s maritime destiny. The inaugural session of India Maritime Week 2025 opened in the financial capital with an air of pride and purpose, as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the state’s critical role in driving India’s maritime growth. The event, attended by national and international delegates, set the tone for a new era of collaboration, innovation, and investment in India’s blue economy.

In his address, Fadnavis expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for selecting Maharashtra — the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — to host this prestigious global event. His words carried both symbolism and conviction, linking the legacy of the great Maratha ruler with India’s modern maritime ambitions. For a country striving to become a global trade and logistics leader, the choice of Mumbai as host city was both strategic and significant.

Maharashtra’s Historic and Strategic Edge in Maritime Growth

Speaking to industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts, Chief Minister Fadnavis invoked the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who centuries ago recognized the strategic and commercial power of the seas. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj understood the ocean’s importance for trade and security, and I thank the Indian government for giving Maharashtra the honour of hosting India Maritime Week on this sacred land,” Fadnavis remarked.

Maharashtra has long been the cornerstone of India’s maritime progress. With major ports such as Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) — India’s largest container port — the state accounts for a significant share of the nation’s maritime trade. Collectively, these ports handle millions of tonnes of cargo every year, establishing Maharashtra as both an economic gateway and a logistics hub for the country.

According to recent industry estimates, Maharashtra contributes nearly one-fourth of India’s total container traffic, a figure that underscores its critical role in the national logistics chain. With a 720-kilometre coastline and multiple port modernization projects underway, the state continues to anchor India’s ambitions to become a global maritime force.

Driving Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Innovation

Fadnavis reaffirmed Maharashtra’s commitment to supporting the Centre’s initiatives aimed at enhancing port infrastructure, coastal connectivity, and multimodal logistics efficiency. These priorities align with the national goals outlined in the Sagarmala Programme and the Maritime India Vision 2030, both of which aim to make India a global maritime leader.

India Maritime Week 2025 serves as a platform to advance these ambitions by uniting policymakers, industry stakeholders, investors, and innovators. The discussions this year revolve around themes such as sustainable port development, digital shipping transformation, the blue economy, and green energy integration in maritime logistics.

Maharashtra’s leadership in these areas is already visible. The ongoing modernization of Mumbai Port and the expansion of JNPA’s container terminals are part of a broader strategy to boost cargo efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and attract global shipping investments. Meanwhile, the state’s emphasis on coastal industrial development and maritime education is preparing a new generation of skilled professionals for the sector.

Showcasing India’s Maritime Renaissance
 

The India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai is more than a policy event — it is a reflection of India’s evolving maritime identity. Over the past decade, India has witnessed transformative growth across its ports, with capacity increasing by more than 75 percent since 2014. The adoption of digital port systems, investments in inland waterways, and promotion of coastal tourism reflect the country’s comprehensive approach to maritime modernization.

At the event, participants from across the world explored opportunities in shipbuilding, port-led industrialization, and renewable energy applications in maritime operations. Sessions on green shipping, trade digitalization, and decarbonization strategies highlighted India’s push toward sustainability while maintaining competitive growth.

Experts also noted the growing role of Indian ports in global supply chains, particularly as manufacturing shifts toward Asia. With its strategic location along major international trade routes, India is well-positioned to strengthen its influence across the Indo-Pacific region — and Maharashtra remains central to this vision.

Sailing Toward a Blue Future
 

Fadnavis emphasized that Maharashtra’s maritime ambitions extend far beyond infrastructure. The state aims to develop an integrated maritime ecosystem that connects ports, industry, and technology under a sustainable growth framework. Plans are underway to establish logistics parks, coastal economic zones, and green shipping corridors, all designed to attract investment while protecting marine ecosystems.

By leveraging technology and private partnerships, the state seeks to create an environment conducive to innovation and competitiveness. This approach reflects India’s broader commitment to ensuring that economic expansion goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility — a key principle for the global blue economy.

India Maritime Week 2025 stands as a symbol of collaboration and forward-thinking leadership. It reinforces Maharashtra’s pivotal role in driving India’s maritime vision and underlines how historical legacy can inspire modern progress. As Mumbai’s ports buzz with activity and new projects take shape, the state continues to bridge tradition with transformation, carrying forward the maritime spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj into the 21st century.

Charting a New Maritime Horizon
 

The hosting of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai is not just an event — it’s a statement of confidence. It represents India’s determination to lead in global trade, technology, and sustainability. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra is steering this transformation with a blend of vision, strategy, and execution.

From the foresight of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the modern ports of JNPA and Mumbai, the state’s maritime journey tells a story of continuity and progress. As the tides of opportunity rise, Maharashtra stands ready — not just as the land of history, but as the launching point of India’s maritime future.