“Our Dependence on Other Countries Is Our Biggest Enemy”: PM Modi on Maritime Self-Reliance

Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while unveiling a series of maritime sector reforms, stressed that India’s dependence on foreign countries, especially in shipping and logistics, undermines national self-respect and long-term economic security. The reforms align with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and aim to make India a global maritime power by 2047.

Key Highlights:

Government Vision / Policy Direction:

• Emphasis on self-reliance in maritime trade and shipbuilding as a pillar of Viksit Bharat@2047.

• India currently pays around US$ 75 billion annually to foreign shipping companies, reflecting heavy external dependence.

• Target to triple India’s share in global sea trade by 2047.

Port & Trade Reforms:

• Introduction of ‘One Nation, One Document’ to eliminate fragmented paperwork in maritime trade.

• Implementation of ‘One Nation, One Port’ to standardize port operations and procedures across India.

• Aim to improve ease of doing business, reduce logistics costs, and enhance efficiency.

Shipbuilding Sector Boost:

• Investment of over ₹70,000 crore through multiple schemes to strengthen domestic shipbuilding.

• Large ships granted infrastructure status, enabling:

  • Easier access to credit

  • Lower interest rates on loans

• Focus on financial support, modern technology adoption, and improved ship design standards.

Cultural & Historical Dimension:

• Construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

• Envisioned as a hub for tourism, research, education, and skill development, highlighting India’s ancient maritime legacy.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Over-dependence on foreign shipping and limited Indian presence in global maritime trade.

• Causes:

  • Policy neglect of domestic shipping in earlier decades

  • Preference for foreign vessels in international trade

• Government Initiatives:

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat in maritime sector

  • Infrastructure status for shipbuilding

  • ‘One Nation, One Document’ reform

• Benefits:

  • Reduced outflow of foreign exchange

  • Strengthened domestic manufacturing and employment

  • Enhanced logistics efficiency

• Challenges:

  • High capital requirements

  • Technology gaps

  • Global competition from established shipbuilding nations

• Impact:

  • Greater strategic autonomy

  • Stronger maritime security and trade resilience

Relevant Mains Points:

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat:

  • Strategy to reduce external dependence while integrating with global value chains.

• Maritime Sector Importance:

  • Backbone of India’s external trade (over 90% by volume)

  • Critical for energy security and supply chains

• Historical Perspective:

  • PM highlighted decline of Indian shipping share from 40% to 5%, attributing it to earlier policy choices.

• Static & Conceptual Linkages:

  • Infrastructure-led economic growth

  • Maritime power as an element of national strength

• Way Forward:

  • Expand shipbuilding clusters and ancillary industries

  • Promote green shipping and digital ports

  • Skill development aligned with global maritime standards

  • Public–private partnerships for long-term competitiveness

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 3: Infrastructure, Maritime Economy, Self-reliance

• GS 2: Governance, Policy Reforms

• GS 1 (Prelims): Modern India’s maritime legacy, Lothal, NMHC