On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Maritime India Summit 2021’s video conferencing. The summit is organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and will conduct whole summit on a virtual platform from March 2-4. Denmark is invited as the partner country for the three-day summit.
In today’s summit, PM Narendra Modi said that the government’s focus is on upgrading current infrastructure, creating next-generation infrastructure, boosting the reform journey.
Also, Speaking about private investment, he said that we could boost private investment in the port sector by encouraging investment.
More than 574 projects costing USD 82 billion or Rs 6 lakh crore is in identification for implementation between 2015 and 2035 under the Sagarmala Project, he added.
PM also showered India’s leadership in the Maritime sector. He said India is emerging as a leading blue economy. Through the Maritime summit, PM invited the world leaders for the summit to connect with the nation.
He also highlighted that the government focuses on the domestic shipbuilding and ship repair market to provide financial assistance for shipyards. The government is looking to operationalize 23 waterways by 2030.
While addressing the summit, Prime Minister Modi also mentions that it brings together many stakeholders related to the maritime. He added that the maritime sector would surely achieve success in boosting the maritime economy.
meanwhile, The summit’s opening session will have ministerial-level participation from Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Armenia. It will feature discussions on the Development of Port Infrastructure and Boosting Business through Trade, Promotion & Regional connectivity.
Plenary, unique, and various thematic/ breakout sessions happen, where International experts in their respective fields participate. Some sessions will focus on each coastal state. Eight States/UTs – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep have already partnered for the MIS-2021.
-By Palak Thakur