Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure and enhancing its role in global trade. The announcements were made during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, following the Union Budget’s emphasis on revitalizing the maritime sector. These initiatives are set to streamline operations, boost port efficiency, promote international trade, and develop India’s shipbuilding industry.
One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Standardizing Port Operations
One of the most significant initiatives launched is the ‘One Nation-One Port Process’ (ONOP), a pioneering move aimed at eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring a unified operational framework across India’s major ports. By standardizing documentation and streamlining processes, ONOP is expected to:
- Reduce operational delays by ensuring uniform port procedures.
- Cut logistics costs by optimizing workflow and eliminating redundancies.
- Enhance India’s global competitiveness by aligning port operations with international standards.
This initiative is crucial for positioning India as a leading maritime hub, boosting economic growth, and strengthening the nation’s trade infrastructure.
Sagar Ankalan: Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) 2023-24
Another major initiative introduced by Sonowal is the Sagar Ankalan project, featuring the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24. This index is designed to benchmark port performance and promote operational excellence by evaluating key performance indicators, including:
- Cargo handling efficiency
- Turnaround time at ports
- Berth idle time
The LPPI will provide critical insights for improving logistics and trade connectivity, helping India maintain its upward trajectory in global rankings. India’s recent rise to 22nd position in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) for “International Shipments” reflects the country’s rapid progress in maritime logistics.
Bharat Global Ports Consortium: Expanding India’s Maritime Reach
To further strengthen global trade resilience, Sonowal launched the Bharat Global Ports Consortium, a collaborative initiative bringing together key stakeholders from port operations, finance, and infrastructure development. The primary objectives of this consortium are:
- Supporting port expansion and modernization
- Enhancing logistics networks to boost exports
- Facilitating investments in port infrastructure
By leveraging public-private partnerships, the Bharat Global Ports Consortium aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, ensuring India’s ports remain globally competitive and resilient.
MAITRI App: Digitalizing Trade with AI & Blockchain
The introduction of the MAITRI App (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) is another landmark development. This digital initiative aims to simplify and accelerate international trade processes through cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain. The MAITRI App will facilitate:
- The creation of a Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE
- Expansion to other trade regions, including BIMSTEC and ASEAN
- Faster trade processing with optimized trade flows
This app will serve as a game-changer for reducing documentation complexities, making cross-border trade more seamless, efficient, and transparent.
India Maritime Week: A Global Maritime Gathering
To further highlight India’s growing maritime influence, Sonowal announced the India Maritime Week, scheduled to be held from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai. This grand event is expected to be one of the largest global maritime gatherings, featuring:
- Participation from over 100 countries
- An estimated 100,000 delegates
- The 4th edition of the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS)
- The 2nd edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue
This high-profile event will position India as a key player in global maritime policy discussions and promote investment in port modernization and shipping infrastructure.
Summary of the news
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched key maritime initiatives in Mumbai to modernize India’s port infrastructure and enhance its global trade role. |
| One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP) | – Standardizes and streamlines port operations across India. – Reduces operational delays and logistics costs. – Enhances global competitiveness of Indian ports. |
| Sagar Ankalan: Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) 2023-24 | – Benchmarks port performance using indicators like cargo handling efficiency, turnaround time, and berth idle time. – Helps improve logistics and trade connectivity. – Supports India’s rise to 22nd rank in World Bank’s LPI for International Shipments. |
| Bharat Global Ports Consortium | – Expands India’s maritime reach and trade resilience. – Focuses on port expansion, modernization, and export growth. – Strengthens the ‘Make in India’ initiative through public-private partnerships. |
| MAITRI App (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) | – Digital platform leveraging AI & Blockchain for seamless trade. – Creates a Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India-UAE, later expanding to BIMSTEC and ASEAN. – Reduces processing time and optimizes trade flows. |
| India Maritime Week (October 27-31, 2025) | – One of the largest global maritime events. – Expected participation: 100 countries, 100,000 delegates. – Includes Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) and Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue. – Positions India as a key player in global maritime discussions. |
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