In a major push to India’s maritime ambitions, the Government of Maharashtra on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and the Investment Resource & Presidential Office of Abu Dhabi. The agreement, valued at up to USD 2 billion, seeks to accelerate investments across key maritime sectors, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.
The partnership aims to advance technological collaboration, port modernization, logistics development, and employment generation in the maritime sector—marking a new chapter in India–UAE cooperation under the Blue Economy framework.
Officials said the investment will flow into diversified areas including shipbuilding, ship-breaking, water transport, port infrastructure, and even sports management, reflecting global confidence in India’s growing maritime potential.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presided over the signing ceremony, which was attended by Ahmad Al Mutawa, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports; Salah Al Nasser, CEO of Equiline Group; Ambar Ayade, MD & CEO of Rural Enhancers Group; and several other dignitaries.
According to officials, the MoU aligns with Maharashtra’s vision to position itself as a leading player in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem by attracting global partners and adopting cutting-edge technologies. The collaboration is expected to create new jobs, modernize coastal infrastructure, and strengthen India’s connectivity with major global trade routes.
A day after attending the ongoing India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited global investors to explore opportunities in India’s maritime sector through a LinkedIn post.
Highlighting India’s strengths, Modi described the nation as an ideal destination for maritime investment—owing to its long coastline, strategic global trade routes, world-class ports, and ambitious Blue Economy vision.
“We have a very long coastline, strategic global trade routes, world-class ports, and an ambitious vision for driving growth in the Blue Economy. We have infrastructure, innovation, and intent. Thanks to our youth, our ecosystem is primed for innovation. Come aboard!” the Prime Minister wrote.
Earlier, on October 29, Modi attended the Maritime Leaders Conclave in Mumbai, a key event under India Maritime Week 2025, where he reflected on Mumbai’s deep maritime legacy—from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to its current role as a thriving hub of port activity and trade.
Sharing insights from the conclave, the Prime Minister said his interactions with leading CEOs and industry leaders revealed strong optimism about India’s progress in port-led development.
Held from October 27 to 31, 2025, under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision,” India Maritime Week 2025 showcases the country’s strategic roadmap to establish itself as a global maritime hub and a driving force in the Blue Economy.
