Page 16 - NIS English 1-15 April, 2026

Cover Story
National Maritime Day Special

In light of the changing maritime situation due
to the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region,
the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
has further strengthened surveillance and
preparedness. Its primary objective is to ensure
the safety of Indian seafarers and Indian ships
and to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade.

A RICH HISTORY IS BEING REVIVED.
India has a rich maritime heritage. Since ancient
times, India has been known for shipbuilding and
coastal trade. It was the land of powerful dynas-
ties like the Cholas and Marathas, whose strong
naval power, extensive trade, and strategic prow-
ess played a crucial role in the country’s prosperity
and power. Their foresight demonstrated how the
oceans could serve as a bridge of opportunity, but
for a long time, India’s maritime sector struggled
with outdated laws and limited capacity. A farsight-
ed initiative was launched in 2014 aimed at chang-
ing this appalling situation, and over the past 11
years, the sector has seen significant changes. To-
day, India’s maritime sector has become modern,
a symbol of global trust and national pride. Civiliza-
tions flourished on the Indian coasts. For thousands
of years, Indian ports have been important trading
centers. These coasts have connected India to the
world. A major foundation of India’s prosperity was India is achieving
its maritime strength. An example of this strength is
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself, who elevated tremendous success in
maritime trade and maritime power to new heights. achieving the goals we
He formulated new policies and made decisions set 11 years ago for port-
for the country’s progress. India’s power was once led development. We
so great that Darya Sarang Kanhoji Angre overpow-
ered the entire East India Company. However, after are building large ports
independence, that legacy was neglected. From in- across the country for
dustrial development to trade, India fell behind. As a large ships and enhancing
maritime power, India was once the world’s largest
shipbuilding hub. Ships built in India’s coastal states port connectivity through
fueled domestic and global trade. Even six decades schemes like Sagarmala
ago, ships built in India were used. At that time,
more than 40 percent of India’s imports and exports Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
were handled by domestically built vessels. Howev-
er, subsequently, the country’s shipping sector had

14 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || April 1-15, 2026