A gathering of international dignitaries marked the Ambassador's Meet at Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal's residence on August 11, 2023. The meeting, with participation from more than 40 countries, including 21 Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Deputy High Commissioners, Trade Commissioners, and 23 other diplomats, underscored the global interest in the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023) to be held in October 2023 in New Delhi.
The Ambassador's Meet witnessed participation from diverse regions, including Africa, ASEAN, and the CIS. Among the prominent attendees were Ambassadors, Deputy High Commissioners, Charge d'affaires, and other diplomats from countries such as USA, Argentina, Germany, Canada, Australia, Finland, Norway, Netherland, Russia, Malaysia, Qatar, Maldives, Georgia, and Commonwealth of Independent Countries (CIS) countries each representing their nation's commitment to maritime collaboration.
In addition, Shri. Shripad Naik, the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs; Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs; and Shri. Shri V. Muraleedharan, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs also attended the event.
Shri Sonowal, in his address, emphasised India's vast potential in the maritime sector and stated that "In this era of globalization, the maritime sector has emerged as a leading light of economic growth, facilitating the movement of goods, services and ideas across borders.
India's ports and waterways have undergone transformational changes, becoming facilitators of trade on a global scale. Our Flagship Initiative “Sagarmala”, launched by our the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, seeks to integrate our ports with industrial and logistical corridors, further enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency."
The Minister stressed upon unlocking the investment opportunities in India's maritime sector, noting India’s policy of 100% FDI through automatic route for projects related to the construction and maintenance of ports and harbours. He informed that Public Private Privatization has played a pivotal role and currently PPP terminals are handling around 50% of cargo at major ports.
On the occasion, Shri T K Ramachandran, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, highlighted the major achievements of India’s Maritime Sector and emphasized upon its potential along with the road map for further investments.
He also provided an overview of GMIS 2023, scheduled from 17th to 19th October 2023, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and reinforced India's commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.The event follows the launch of the Curtain Raiser of the 3rd Global Maritime India Summit in Mumbai last month which garnered huge attention from the maritime community from across the globe.