(Commonwealth_ India is making significant strides in its maritime sector, focusing on the ‘blue economy’ a strategy that leverages ocean-based trade to boost the country’s overall economic growth. As part of this broader vision, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is establishing the India Maritime Centre (IMC) to drive collaboration, policy advocacy, and sustainable growth in the industry. Alongside the IMC, India is also setting up an international arbitration center to resolve maritime disputes, while propelling shipbuilding activities as part of its larger maritime agenda.
A critical element of India’s blue economy strategy is the integration of international diplomacy, with efforts aimed at enhancing India’s connectivity with key global regions. One of the significant projects in this context is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which links the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean, opening new trade opportunities. Another major initiative is the International North-South Transport Corridor, designed to create economic pathways for Central Asia’s landlocked countries.
“Under the Act East and Neighborhood First policy, India is leading regional transport integration, particularly with its BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) partners,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The IMC, set to be headquartered in Mumbai, will serve as a think tank to unify various stakeholders, including shipyards, shipping lines, ports, and trade associations. The goal is to promote collaboration, drive greater coordination and efficiency in the industry, and offer expert analysis and policy recommendations to foster sustainable growth.
Domestically, the IMC aims to act as a unifying force for India’s maritime sector, bringing together diverse players to improve industry-wide coordination and performance. By serving as a platform for stakeholders, it is expected to strengthen maritime infrastructure, facilitate growth, and enhance overall operational efficiency. In addition to this, the IMC is looking to create a dedicated fund for startups, encouraging innovation in the maritime industry.
On the international front, the IMC will play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s global maritime presence. By elevating India’s position within key global forums like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the center is expected to bolster the country’s influence in global maritime policymaking. Sonowal emphasized that the IMC will be crucial in advancing India’s maritime diplomacy and helping shape the future direction of the sector.
“There has long been a gap between India’s maritime needs and global policymaking at the IMO. Over the past decade, India has taken an active interest in international maritime affairs, and the IMC should function like think tanks do in international relations,” explained a foreign affairs commentator. By offering expert guidance and fostering international relationships, the IMC will enable India to become a key player in the global maritime sector.
In tandem with the IMC, India is also advancing its efforts to position itself as a significant player in maritime arbitration. To this end, the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), based in Delhi and designated as an institution of national importance, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to establish the India International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) in Mumbai. This new center intends to resolve maritime disputes arising from ports, shipping, and logistics, filling a crucial gap in India’s arbitration landscape.
While India already has several arbitration centers including the IIAC, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the Gujarat Maritime Arbitration Centre, none focus specifically on maritime disputes. The IIMDRC aims to position India as a hub for maritime arbitration, following in the footsteps of established international centers such as the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) and the Tokyo Maritime Arbitration Commission (TOMAC).
