New Delhi: The Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023 is scheduled to take place from October 17 to October 19 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. A significant precursor to this event was the Ambassador’s Meet held at the residence of Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, on August 11. The gathering, attended by representatives from over 40 countries, including 21 Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Deputy High Commissioners, Trade Commissioners, and 23 other diplomats, underscored the global anticipation surrounding GMIS 2023.
Representatives from diverse regions such as Africa, ASEAN, and the CIS participated in the Ambassador’s Meet. Among the distinguished attendees were Ambassadors, Deputy High Commissioners, Charge d’affaires, and diplomats from countries including the USA, Argentina, Germany, Canada, Australia, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, Russia, Malaysia, Qatar, Maldives, Georgia, and Commonwealth of Independent Countries (CIS) nations. Each participant showcased their nation’s commitment to fostering maritime collaboration.
In his address, Minister Sonowal highlighted India’s immense potential within the maritime sector, asserting that “In the era of globalization, the maritime industry has emerged as a beacon of economic growth, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and ideas across borders.” He emphasized the transformative changes in India’s ports and waterways, which have evolved into global trade facilitators. Sonowal also spotlighted the flagship initiative “Sagarmala,” launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at integrating ports with industrial and logistical corridors to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency.
The Minister underlined the need to tap into investment opportunities within India’s maritime sector, noting the country’s policy of 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the automatic route for projects related to port construction and maintenance. He also pointed out the significant role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in handling approximately 50 percent of cargo at major ports.
T K Ramachandran, the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, highlighted India’s maritime sector’s notable achievements and its potential, along with a roadmap for future investments. He provided insights into GMIS 2023, which is slated to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from October 17 to October 19, reaffirming India’s commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.
The event followed the Curtain Raiser of the 3rd Global Maritime India Summit in Mumbai the previous month, which garnered significant attention from the global maritime community.
About Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS), 2023:
GMIS 2023 stands as a premier event centered around the maritime sector, bringing together key figures from the industry to explore opportunities, understand challenges, and encourage investments within India’s maritime domain. Building on the successes of previous editions, this third installment aims to unveil broader prospects for both domestic and international maritime stakeholders and investors.
