Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chairs a overview assembly on the Strait of Hormuz state of affairs, in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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ANI
India is engaged on a roadmap to add 92 vessels within the present monetary 12 months with an funding of Rs 51,383 crore, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated on Wednesday.
Sonowal additional stated that India targets an addition of two.85 million GT capacity to strengthen the Atmanirbhar Shipping Push within the present fiscal.
He additionally directed an actionable white paper on Maritime Gaps, targets, and Roadmap with inter-ministerial coordination.
The minister additionally stated Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) outfitted to construct specialised vessels to transport Ammonia. Sonowal was addressing high-level inter-ministerial overview assembly on the Strait of Hormuz state of affairs.
According to an official assertion, the assembly introduced collectively senior officers from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), oil PSUs, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Directorate General of Shipping, National Shipping Board and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Speaking on the event, Sonowal stated, “Our journey towards Atmanirbhar shipping is a strategic necessity, and we are advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels in FY 2026-27, backed by ‘¹51,383 crore, creating an additional 2.85 million GT capacity.” Reviewing the present international situation and its implications on maritime commerce routes, the Minister referred to as for pressing enlargement of India’s shipping capacity, together with container vessels, LPG and crude carriers, and inexperienced tugs, to guarantee resilience towards exterior disruptions.
According to the assertion, Sonowal additionally reviewed cargo flows, vessel actions and operational preparedness throughout key maritime segments.
“The need for expansion of container fleet, green tugs, LPG carriers, crude carriers, dredging vessels and tankers were underscored by the Minister to combat any future global challenge and sustain supply chain of the country,” the assertion stated.
The Shipping Minister additionally reviewed the standing of the Joint Venture between Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Oil PSUs to purchase 59 vessels.
“We must act with urgency to strengthen our fleet, shipbuilding capacity, port infrastructure, and the broader maritime ecosystem,” the Union Minister stated, underscoring the necessity for a coordinated nationwide effort.
Directing a structured coverage response, Sonowal instructed all involved departments to put together a concise and actionable white paper outlining & addressing the present gaps, clear targets and a time-bound roadmap throughout key pillars of the maritime sector.
Sonowal emphasised that this train have to be undertaken in shut coordination with the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Commerce and Industry, given their important linkage to maritime provide chain.
The Minister additionally reiterated that the protection and safety of Indian seafarers stays paramount, with companies directed to preserve heightened vigilance in delicate maritime zones.
The inter-ministerial assembly concluded with a name for larger alignment, coordination and execution throughout ministries and stakeholders to place India as a globally aggressive maritime nation.
Published on April 29, 2026