Policymakers and industry leaders focus on ports, shipbuilding, logistics, green shipping and India’s maritime growth
MUMBAI: GTNS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026; The 4th edition of the ET Infra Global Ports & Shipping Summit 2026 is underway in Mumbai, bringing together senior policymakers, port authorities, shipping companies and infrastructure leaders to discuss the next phase of India’s maritime expansion.
The two-day summit, being held at Taj Santacruz on September 10–11, comes at a crucial stage for India’s maritime sector, with the government seeking to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, expand port capacity and develop more efficient multimodal logistics networks.
Focus on India’s maritime transformation
The summit’s discussions are centred on port-led development, world-class container terminals, shipbuilding and repair, maritime finance, digital ports, green shipping and the Blue Economy.
A major theme is the integration of ports with rail, road and inland-waterway networks to create faster and more cost-efficient trade corridors.
Senior leaders at the Mumbai gathering
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal is headlining the inaugural session, alongside Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik and Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development Nitesh Narayan Rane.
Senior maritime officials and industry leaders, including Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Ports & Transport), Maharashtra, and Gaurav Dayal, IAS, Chairperson of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, are also part of the summit programme.
Green shipping and smart ports
The conference is also examining how artificial intelligence, automation and digital infrastructure can transform port operations.
Green shipping, maritime decarbonisation and clean-fuel adoption are another major area of discussion as India looks to make its maritime infrastructure more sustainable and globally competitive.
A larger economic ambition
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of India’s Maritime India Vision 2047, with the broader objective of turning ports, shipping and maritime manufacturing into stronger engines of economic growth.
The discussions are expected to contribute to debates on investment, regulatory reform, shipbuilding capacity, logistics connectivity and international maritime partnerships.
With global trade increasingly dependent on resilient supply chains, India’s ability to modernise its ports and expand its shipping ecosystem could become an important factor in the country’s ambition to strengthen its position in global commerce.
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026