A three-pronged strategy to revive India’s maritime golden era.

Shipping Ministry Plans New Scheme for Shipbuilding and Repair Industry.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will launch a National Shipbuilding Mission, aimed at transforming shipbuilding, ship recycling and creating a globally competitive maritime ecosystem. Currently, only 5% of India’s cargo is carried on Indian-flagged ships, costing the nation over ₹16 lakh crore annually in sea freight payments to foreign firms. The new scheme is expected to save ₹14.5 lakh crore per year and generate 25–30 lakh jobs. For the first time, a ₹70,000 crore financial outlay has been earmarked for the maritime sector, including ₹24,736 crore for a revamped shipbuilding assistance scheme. An India Ship Technology Centre (₹2,305 crore) will also be established at IMU Visakhapatnam to enhance R&D, ship design, and skill development. Sonowal said this mission marks the resurgence of India’s maritime strength and a step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.