by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

India has announced several measures that aim to enhance its maritime sector and reduce reliance on foreign vessels.

A key initiative is the launch of the Bharat Container Line, a new shipping company expected to start with 100 container vessels focusing on key trade routes.

According to the Economic Times, the new line is expected to focus initially on routes in Asia, West Asia, and the Red Sea. Plans are also in place to expand operations to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance India's maritime capabilities and support its long-term economic vision.

In addition to the new shipping company, the government plans to establish a USD 3 billion Maritime Development Fund. This fund will support national shipbuilding and infrastructure development, including ports.

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the proposal to develop new shipbuilding clusters with a capacity of up to 1.2 million gross tonnages.

Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director of APM Terminals (Pipavav), expressed his support for India's plans to invest in ports, shipping, and logistics sectors.

Furthermore, the government recently discussed logistics cooperation opportunities with container carrier CMA CGM and spoke of Marseille's strategic role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).