Modi Pitches India as a 'Steady Lighthouse' Amid Global Tensions and Trade Disruptions

PTI, MUMBAI, OCT 29, 2025 :  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday presented India as a "steady lighthouse" for the world amid global tensions, trade disruptions, and shifting supply chains. Addressing the Maritime Leaders Conclave at the India Maritime Week 2025 event in Mumbai, Modi described India as a symbol of strategic autonomy, peace, and inclusive growth.

"India stands as a symbol of strategic autonomy, peace, and inclusive growth," Modi said. "When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India can play the role of such a lighthouse with a lot of strength."

He emphasized that India's vibrant democracy and reliability make the country special. Amid global tensions and shifting trade routes, India continues to stand strong, he said, reinforcing its position as a key player in global trade and security.

Modi highlighted India’s maritime and trade initiatives as part of a broader vision to redefine global trade routes, citing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as an example of this evolving strategy. India's maritime sector, according to Modi, is advancing rapidly and has become a significant part of the country's growth engine.

“We have replaced over a century-old colonial shipping laws with modern and futuristic laws suited for the 21st century,” Modi said. “Today, India's ports are counted among the most efficient in the developing world. In many aspects, they are performing even better than those in the developed world."

The Prime Minister further explained that the new shipping laws strengthen the role of state maritime boards and promote the integration of digital technologies into port management. Under the Maritime India Vision, over 150 initiatives have been launched, resulting in significant improvements across the maritime sector.

"The capacity of India's major ports has doubled, and turnaround times have been significantly reduced," Modi noted. "Cruise tourism has gained substantial momentum, and inland waterways have experienced remarkable growth, with cargo movement increasing by more than 700 percent."

The number of operational waterways has expanded from just three to an impressive 32, he added. "Furthermore, the net annual surplus of our ports has seen a nine-fold increase over the past decade," Modi said.

Modi stressed that the maritime sector is driving India's growth and has transformed significantly over the last decade, boosting trade and port infrastructure. "A quarter of the 21st century has passed. The next 25 years of this century are even more crucial, so our focus is on the Blue Economy and Sustainable Coastal Development," he said.

"We are placing great emphasis on green logistics, port connectivity, and coastal industrial clusters," he added, noting that India has made significant strides in next-generation reforms in the maritime sector.

The year 2025, Modi stated, has been a landmark year for India’s maritime sector, marked by several significant achievements. India’s first deep-water international transshipment hub, Vizhinjam Port, became operational this year. “Adding to the nation’s pride, the world’s largest container vessel recently docked at the port, showcasing its global capability,” Modi concluded.