INDIA MARITIME WORKFORCE
A global job spinner for Indians is now turning into a death trap
India has emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, but its growing presence aboard global merchant ships has also left more Indians exposed to wars, piracy and unsafe working conditions. Recent attacks in the Black Sea and off Oman have put the spotlight on how India is trying to protect its maritime workforce through tighter regulation, repatriation efforts, real-time tracking and international cooperation.
Orbital Shift: India's space sector undergoing biggest transformation; pvt firms handle rockets, ISRO focus on more ambitious missions
India's space sector is undergoing significant changes as private companies engage in rocket production and management. The Indian Space Research Organisation is shifting its focus towards more ambitious missions and projects. This transition follows the introduction of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which emphasizes private sector participation. Concerns have been raised by ISRO employees regarding the agency's future and potential loss of capabilities.
SDHI targets to hire 550 people for white-collar and blue-collar roles by March 2027
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries plans to hire more than 550 employees across white-collar and blue-collar roles by March 2027 as it expands shipbuilding, repair and refit operations. The company also expects its ongoing projects to generate at least 5,000 additional jobs over the next two to three years through vendors and supply-chain partners.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd and Drydocks World form joint venture to strengthen India’s ship repair industry
Drydocks World and Cochin Shipyard Limited have formed a joint venture. This partnership will operate and expand the International Ship Repair Facility in Cochin. The collaboration aims to enhance India's ship repair capabilities and create new opportunities. This venture combines global expertise with strong domestic experience. It will strengthen Cochin's position as a key maritime services hub.
India poised to become global shipbuilding hub: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
India is set to become a global shipbuilding hub, addressing a market vacuum. The nation will focus on design, manufacturing, and MRO services for growth. This strategic move aims to leverage declining capacity in traditional shipbuilding nations. Expansion projects at GRSE and YIL will bolster indigenous capabilities significantly. India's growing naval strength and maritime security needs will be supported.
Two vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked by pirates in Yemen, Somalia
In a troubling episode, pirates have seized two commercial vessels, leaving 22 Indian nationals on board. The first vessel, an oil tanker with 16 Indian crew, was hijacked off Yemen on August 20, while a cargo ship with six Indians encountered a similar fate near Somalia's Puntland coast. Thankfully, officials have confirmed the crew members are unharmed, despite these dangerous incidents unfolding in the area.
India, Japan deepen maritime security ties, agree to explore joint naval shipbuilding
India and Japan agreed to deepen maritime security cooperation and naval coordination. They will strengthen naval coordination and explore joint development in shipbuilding. The pact will enhance cooperation in maritime domain awareness and disaster relief. Both nations will also enhance coordination for protecting sea lines of communication. This agreement aims to advance their defense partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
'Had fruitful discussions on advancing maritime cooperation': Japanese envoy welcomes Defence Minister Koizumi to India
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in Mumbai for his first official visit to India. He inspected a Guard of Honour and laid a wreath at the Naval Dockyard. Koizumi held strategic discussions with Indian Navy officials on operational capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet Koizumi in New Delhi to bolster bilateral defence relations. Both nations aim to enhance maritime security and technology collaboration.
India sails past China with 27% more officers steering the world’s ships
India has overtaken China in supplying merchant shipping officers, with 140,718 officers compared with China’s 110,893, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. India has nearly 312,000 seafarers overall, ranking second globally behind the Philippines.
India doubles down on strategic manufacturing--from semiconductors to hydrogen trains: Finmin Report
India is accelerating a broad-based industrial strategy that spans semiconductors, electronics, commercial space, green mobility, rare earths, shipbuilding and coal gasification, signalling a coordinated push to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic manufacturing and build resilient supply chains amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Major ports handle over 915 MT cargo in FY26: Sarbananda Sonowal
Indian major ports achieved a significant milestone in 2025-26, handling over 915 million tonnes of cargo. This performance surpassed the annual target, reflecting a strong 7.06 percent year-on-year growth. The sector demonstrated enhanced efficiency and a sustained growth trajectory. Investment in capital expenditure also saw a substantial increase.
India perfect harbour for investments in maritime sector: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited global companies to invest in India's maritime sector. He highlighted the country's infrastructure, innovation, and intent to lead globally. A Rs 70,000 crore package aims to boost shipbuilding and attract over Rs 4.5 lakh crore in investment. Port capacity has doubled, and vessel turnaround time has significantly reduced.
India-Singapore to develop Green and Digital Shipping corridor
India and Singapore have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, focusing on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects. This partnership aims to drive innovation through low-emission technologies and enhance digital integration in the maritime sector. Additionally, discussions with the Netherlands explored developing a Green Shipping Corridor and upskilling India's inland waterways workforce.
IIT Guwahati, IRS launch India’s first underwater welding & deep diving certification programme
IIT Guwahati's Technology Innovation Hub and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) successfully conducted India's first training and certification program in underwater welding and deep diving. The program, held at the Neel Diving Academy in Kochi, provided participants with theoretical and practical training, culminating in certification upon successful completion of rigorous underwater welding exercises and evaluations.
India raises seafarer abandonment crisis at IMO; secures membership in key working group
India has urged for effective measures to tackle seafarer abandonment and ensure maritime workforce safety. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary T K Ramachandran addressed this issue during the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
How India plays a significant role in keeping global shipping industry running
According to data from the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, India is the third-largest provider of seafarers worldwide, following China and the Philippines. Indian seafarers constitute nearly 10% of the global maritime workforce.
PM Modi discusses return to peace, maritime safety with Netanyahu on phone
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address concerns about the Red Sea situation affecting maritime traffic. Modi emphasized New Delhi's support for restoring peace and addressing humanitarian issues in the region. They discussed shared concerns about the safety of maritime traffic amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Govt working on robust framework to address need for skilled workforce in ports, maritime sector
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will identify existing Qualification Packs and develop new Qualification Packs - National Occupational Standards, aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework for various job roles in the sectors as per the existing demand of ports and maritime unit.
Shipping union opposed to foreign sailors on Indian ships
"NUSI is strongly opposed to the move by Indian ship owners to employ foreign seafarers on Indian ships," said its general secretary Abdulgani Serang.
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