PM Modi in Gujarat: “Coastlines Are Gateways to Prosperity,” Pushes Maritime Infrastructure and Blue Economy

21 sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again placed India’s coastlines and maritime assets at the heart of the country’s economic vision. Addressing the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity from the Ocean) event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, the Prime Minister described ports, logistics, and the blue economy as growth multipliers capable of creating jobs, boosting exports, and enhancing manufacturing competitiveness.

The speech emphasized India’s long shoreline not as a boundary, but as a gateway to global trade, regional development, and sustainable futures.

Key Highlights from the PM’s Address

Ports as Growth Engines: Ports are not just transit hubs, but critical nodes for MSME clusters, seafood value-chains, and tourism circuits.
Multimodal Connectivity: Rail, road, and inland waterways integration can reduce logistics costs and shorten delivery timelines.
Blue Economy Narrative: India must balance growth with sustainability, coastal resilience, and climate adaptation.
Investment in Shipbuilding: The PM underlined the government’s efforts to attract shipbuilding and repair investments.
Skilling & Jobs: Special emphasis on training coastal populations to take advantage of new opportunities.

India’s Maritime Vision

India’s 7,500 km-long coastline, 12 major ports, and 200+ minor ports present unmatched opportunities. With 90% of trade by volume and 70% by value passing through maritime routes, the sector underpins India’s growth story.

The PM framed this vision as part of a broader economic reset, where logistics efficiency can improve competitiveness for exporters in global markets.

Sagarmala & Inland Waterways

The event dovetails with ongoing initiatives:

Sagarmala Project: Enhancing port connectivity, modernizing infrastructure, and creating industrial clusters.
Inland Waterways Development: Encouraging river-based freight movement, cutting costs, and reducing emissions.

These projects together could transform India’s logistics backbone, making exports faster and cheaper.

The Blue Economy Dimension

The blue economy concept goes beyond ports:

Fisheries & Seafood Processing: Coastal MSMEs can tap into export opportunities.
Tourism: Developing sustainable coastal circuits.
Marine Biotechnology & Minerals: Harnessing oceans for research and resources.
Climate Resilience: Tackling erosion, rising seas, and extreme weather.

The PM stressed that development must be sustainable, protecting coastlines even as they become engines of prosperity.

Gujarat as a Maritime Hub

Speaking in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, the PM highlighted the state’s role as:

A leader in port-led development (Kandla, Mundra).
Ship recycling capital of the world (Alang).
A model for MSME-led coastal growth, particularly in seafood and chemicals.

Gujarat’s example, he said, can inspire other coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.

Global Supply Chain Rewiring

The PM linked the blue economy to geopolitics and global trade realignment:

Post-pandemic supply chains are shifting.
India can position itself as a reliable maritime hub.
Reduced lead times and logistics costs will give exporters a global edge.

Economic & Social Impact

Jobs: From port workers to shipbuilders to fisheries, millions of livelihoods stand to benefit.
Exports: Shorter supply chains will boost competitiveness.
Regional Equity: Coastal states, often lagging hinterlands, can anchor growth.
Skill Development: Youth from fishing communities can be trained in logistics and tourism.

Sustainability & Climate Challenge

The Prime Minister acknowledged that development must address coastal erosion, saline intrusion, and extreme weather events. The government’s blue economy framework emphasizes:

Climate-resilient infrastructure.
Green ports with renewable energy.
Sustainable tourism practices.

Industry & Expert Views

Port Operators: Welcomed the push, citing India’s growing share in global shipping.
Economists: Highlighted the role of reduced logistics costs in improving Ease of Doing Business.
Climate Experts: Urged more focus on mangrove protection and community resilience.

Conclusion

By framing coastlines as gateways to prosperity, PM Modi has underlined the strategic and economic centrality of maritime India. With Sagarmala, inland waterways, and the blue economy narrative, India aims not just to modernize infrastructure, but to redefine its relationship with the ocean—as both a source of wealth and a space demanding care.

The challenge will be to deliver on this dual promise: economic expansion with ecological balance.

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