India's Maritime Sector
Strategic and Economic Significance
India has a coastline of approximately 7,516 km (mainland: 5,422 km + island territories), 12 major ports and 200+ non-major (state/private) ports, and handles over 95% of India's international trade by volume and 70% by value through the sea. Despite this, India's share in global merchant shipping is tiny — less than 2% — meaning India pays enormous freight charges to foreign shipping companies. Over 90% of cargo carried to/from Indian ports is transported on foreign-flagged vessels, creating a persistent outflow of foreign exchange estimated at $75-80 billion annually. [Unverified — verify current figure]
- India's coastline: ~7,516 km (mainland + island territories); 12 major ports under central jurisdiction (Major Ports Authorities Act, 2021)
- Major ports: Mumbai, JNPT (Nhava Sheva), Chennai, Kolkata (including Haldia), Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kandla (Deendayal), Cochin (Kochi), New Mangalore, Ennore (Kamarajar), V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin), Mormugao
- India's share in global merchant fleet: less than 2% of deadweight tonnage (DWT)
- Annual forex outflow on freight payments: significant (over $70 billion estimated) [Unverified]
- Shipping is a Capital-intensive and labour-intensive industry — a revival supports steel demand, engineering, and port logistics employment
● Tracked since February 25, 2026 · last seen March 12, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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