Page 18 - NIS English 1-15 April, 2026

Cover Story
National Maritime Day Special

Indian Maritime

The maritime sector symbolises India’s strength, stability, and continuity. An
11,098-kilometre coastline, 13 coastal states, approximately 1,300 islands, and an exclusive
economic zone of 2.37 million square kilometres make India a natural maritime power.

11,098 13 1,300 Rich History

KM-long coastline coastal states islands India’s maritime history is linked to Lothal
(the world’s oldest port) of the Indus Valley
23.7 lakh square kilometres of Civilisation, which traded with Mesopotamia.
The dry dock discovered at Lothal dates back to
exclusive economic zone
2400 BC. It is considered the world’s first such
facility for harbouring and repairing ships.

What is maritime?
‘Maritime’ refers to maritime
industries, navigation, trade,
shipbuilding, and maritime security,
which are crucial to the economy.

“India’s history is the history of our maritime prowess.
Hundreds of years ago, when such technology and resources
were absent, we built numerous forts like Sindhudurg by
forging the sea. India’s maritime prowess is thousands of
years old. The Indus Valley Civilisation port discovered in
Lothal, Gujarat, is a significant heritage for us today”

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

of most ports has doubled, private investment has when foreign powers attacked India, this power
increased, and ship turnaround times have de- was the first target. India, renowned for its boat and
creased. This has benefited industries and traders, shipbuilding, was a significant asset. Art, skill, every-
reducing costs. The Indus Valley Civilization port thing was brought to a standstill. This led to India
discovered at Lothal in Gujarat is a significant her- losing control of the seas and strategic economic
itage of India. At one time, ships from more than 80 power. Today, as India pursues development, it has
countries anchored at Surat Port. The Chola Empire, made rapid strides towards regaining this lost glory.
relying on this strength, expanded its trade to The central government is focusing on the oceans
numerous countries in Southeast Asia. Therefore, and all sectors connected to it. India is giving un-

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