NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared an article by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasising India’s growing and resilient industrial base driven by the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the government’s efforts to modernise, mechanise, and digitise ports along the crucial east-west trade corridor.
Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister described Sonowal’s article as a “must-read”, noting that it highlights India’s strategic progress in strengthening its maritime and industrial infrastructure. “In this must-read article, Union Minister Shri sarbanand sonwal explains how a growing and resilient industrial base with ‘Make in India’ impetus and efforts to modernise, mechanise and digitise ports along the busy east-west trade route have provided the country with a unique advantage,” PM Modi wrote.
He further underlined that the government’s $8 billion package to rejuvenate India’s shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem reflects a larger national ambition rather than just a routine budget allocation. The initiative aims to transform India into a global maritime hub and strengthen its logistics competitiveness on international trade routes.
The Union Minister’s article elaborates on how the Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 programmes have accelerated India’s maritime modernisation, focusing on developing green ports, enhancing coastal connectivity, and boosting export capacity. Sonowal noted that ports such as Paradip, Visakhapatnam, and Kandla are being upgraded with smart technologies and digital infrastructure to handle rising cargo traffic efficiently.
The Prime Minister’s endorsement comes at a time when the government is making concerted efforts to position India as a key player in global supply chains. The focus on port-led industrialisation, digitalisation of logistics, and sustainable shipping practices forms a critical part of India’s broader strategy to achieve economic self-reliance and bolster export growth.
Experts believe that these initiatives will not only improve trade efficiency but also generate significant employment opportunities and attract foreign investment in allied sectors such as shipbuilding, logistics, and manufacturing.
PM Modi’s remarks underscore his government’s vision of building a resilient, technology-driven industrial and maritime network that can support India’s rapid economic growth and enhance its global trade presence.