Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has launched a suite of transformative initiatives aimed at modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure and enhancing global trade competitiveness. These initiatives, which include the One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP), Sagar Ankalan, the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI), the Bharat Global Ports Consortium, and the MAITRI App, reflect government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and a self-reliant nation.
Key Highlights
India is enhancing port performance to reduce inefficiencies and cut carbon footprints, making trade more efficient.
India Maritime Week one of the largest global maritime gatherings will be held from 27-31 October 2025 in Mumbai, featuring:
- 4th Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)
- 2nd edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue
- Participation from 100 countries and 100,000 delegates.
Maritime Development Fund: ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to provide long-term financing for modernizing ports and shipbuilding infrastructure.
Customs duty exemptions on shipbuilding inputs extended for another decade to boost India’s shipbuilding sector.
One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)
Objective: Standardize and streamline operations across India’s major ports to reduce inefficiencies, cut costs, and eliminate documentation inconsistencies.
Achievements: Standardization has reduced container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106).
Impact:
- Enhances global competitiveness of Indian ports.
- Contributes to the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 by ensuring transparency and optimized port management.
Sagar Ankalan & Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI)
Purpose: Sagar Ankalan serves as the LPPI for FY 2023-24, benchmarking the performance of both major and non-major ports.
Key Performance Indicators: Evaluates cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, container dwell time, and ship berth-day output.
Significance:
- Supports operational excellence and strengthens India’s trade connectivity.
- Aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy.
- India’s logistics performance has improved, climbing to 22nd place in the World Bank’s LPI for International Shipments in 2023, up from 44th.
Bharat Global Ports Consortium
Objective: Expand India’s maritime reach and boost global trade resilience.
Structure: A consortium bringing together key entities from port operations (IPGL), finance (SDCL), and infrastructure development (IPRCL).
Focus: Drive port expansion, streamline logistics, and enhance export capabilities, supporting the Make in India initiative.
MAITRI App (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface)
Functionality: Simplifies and accelerates trade processes by creating a Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE, with plans to expand to BIMSTEC and ASEAN regions.
Technology: Leverages AI and blockchain technology to reduce processing time and optimize trade flows.
Alignment: Supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and aims to redefine global trade facilitation.
Strategic Importance
Modernizing Maritime Infrastructure: These initiatives are designed to boost port efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and modernize the logistics sector.
Enhancing Global Trade Competitiveness: By standardizing port operations and integrating advanced digital solutions, India is positioning itself as a key player in global trade and logistics.
Economic Growth and Sustainability: The measures support sustainable development, aligning with national goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Public-Private Collaboration: The initiatives foster collaboration between government bodies and private stakeholders, ensuring a holistic approach to modernizing India’s maritime ecosystem.