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India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future: PM

Published By : Admin | April 14, 2016 | 11:00 IST
PM Modi Inaugurates the Maritime India Summit, 2016
Maritime transport can be the most extensive mode of transport. It is also the most eco-friendly mode of transport: PM
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is the architect of water and river navigation policy in India: PM
I offer my profound respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on this auspicious day: PM
Babasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power: PM
With a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today: PM
We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage: PM
It is my Government’s endeavour to revive and restore India’s position of eminence in the global maritime sector: PM
Our vision is to increase port capacity from 1400 million tonnes to 3000 million tonnes by 2025: PM
India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future: PM

Hon. Governor of Maharashtra;

Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra;

His Excellency Mr. Kim Young-Suk, Minister of the Republic of Korea

Our Union Minister for Shipping, Mr. Nitin Gadkari

Other Dignitaries on the dais;

Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen!

I have great pleasure in being with you and welcoming you at the Maritime India Summit. This is the first time that a global event of such a large scale is being organised by India. I extend a warm welcome to all the esteemed guests attending this event in the maritime hub of India. I am sure, this event; together with the seminars and exhibition, will showcase the emerging trends and opportunities in the maritime sector.

We all know that oceans cover more than seventy percent of the Earth's surface. We also know that oceans contain ninety-seven percent of the Earth's water. Therefore, maritime transport can be the most extensive mode of transport. It is also the most eco-friendly mode of transport. However, there is one more aspect to this fact. Which is that, oceans contain ninety nine percent of the living space on the planet. This means that our lifestyle, transport systems and trading behavior should not spoil the ecology of the oceans. Also, maritime security, freedom of navigation and safety and security of sea lanes is equally important.

The challenges of climate change have shown that even offshore human behavior can change the ecology of glaciers and oceans. This is already causing a lot of concern for island countries and coastal communities in particular. I hope this summit will deliberate on these issues while discussing economic issues related with oceans. The elimination of sea piracy, which was a big threat to international shipping a few years ago, is a good example of how joint efforts by maritime nations can achieve outstanding results.

Friends! There is a reason why this important Summit has been organised today, on the 14th of April 2016. Today is the 125th birth anniversary of a great son of India who also lived and worked in Mumbai. I am referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was the architect of our Constitution. He is also the architect of the water and river navigation policy in India. I offer my profound respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on this auspicious day. I also wish and pray that his wisdom continues to guide us in our efforts towards nation building.

Many of us may not know that Babasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power. They were:  The Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission and The Central Technical Power Board. His observations while setting up these two organizations is a testimony to his great foresight.  

I quote from his address on 3rd January, 1945:

“The objects which have led to the setting up of two organizations are to advise on how the water resources can be best utilized and how a project can be made to serve purposes other than irrigation.”

Dr Ambedkar had emphasized the importance of the new waterways policy in order to lay the foundation for a regime of prosperity for the millions of poor of our country. I am happy to state that we have embarked on the development of National Waterways in keeping with Babasaheb’s vision and foresight. With a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today. The IMF and the World Bank have indicated even better prospects in the days to come. We are taking aggressive steps to ensure that our process of growth is both fast as well as inclusive. This summit is another step to realize Babasaheb’s dream of an economically strong, socially empowered and technologically equipped India.  

I understand that more than 4500 dignitaries and delegates from around forty countries are participating in this Summit. I am particularly happy that the Republic of Korea is the Partner Country for this event. I thank the President of Korea and also the senior Minister, Mr. Kim Young-Suk who is present here.

Friends! We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage.  The world’s first dock was built at Lothal in Gujarat around 2500 BC during the Harappan Civilisation. This dock was equipped to berth and service ships. It was built after studying tidal flows.

In addition to Lothal, there were also some other Indian ports, which were major drivers of global maritime trade two thousand years ago. These included:

  • Barygaza - which today is known as Bharuch in Gujarat;
  • Muziris which today is known as Kodungallur near Cochin in Kerala;
  • Korkai which is today’s Tuticorin;
  • Kaveripattinam which is in Nagapattanam District of Tamil Nadu;
  • andArikamedu which is in Ariyankuppam District of Puducherry

There are many references in ancient Indian literature and in Greek and Roman works about the vibrant maritime trade of India with Rome, Greece, Egypt and Arabia. Ancient and medieval Indian traders maintained links with countries in Southeast and East Asia, Africa, Arabia and Europe. 

Friends! Since my government took over, among other things, we have laid emphasis on building futuristic infrastructure. This includes building next generation infrastructure in many sectors. Port, Shipping and Maritime infrastructure is prominent among them. It is my Government’s endeavour to revive and restore India’s position of eminence in the global maritime sector.

Building upon our glorious maritime tradition, we are working hard to achieve new heights in this area. In the very early days of our Government, we announced the Sagarmala programme. This is aimed at leveraging our long coastline and natural maritime advantages. It also focuses on promoting port led development, energizing the coastal economy and infrastructure development in these areas. We particularly want to modernize our ports and integrate them with Special Economic Zones, Port based Smart Cities, Industrial Parks, Warehouses, Logistics Parks and Transport Corridors.

I must mention that our vast coastline of 7500 kilometers offers a huge investment opportunity. Apart from the length of the coastline, India's maritime potential also lies in its strategic location on all major shipping highways. In addition, we have an expansive and productive hinterland, through which flows a network of mighty rivers. Our maritime agenda will complement this ambitious infrastructure plan for the hinterland which is going on in parallel.

I call upon the global business community to partner with us to give shape to our process of port led development. I am sure, the long coastline of India along with diverse coastal regions and hard working coastal communities can become an engine of growth of India.

To enable the growth of the port and related sectors, we have carried out several reforms and taken a number of new initiatives.

  • Under our ‘Make in India’ approach, we have taken many steps to make India a global manufacturing hub;
  • Recently MOODY’s has appreciated the Make in India initiative;
  • We have done a lot of corrections on the front of Ease of doing business - we have jumped up 12 ranks in World Bank’s ranking;
  • A lot of simplification has happened in the processes for cross border trade;
  • We have greatly liberalized the licensing regimes; This also includes the defence sector and ship building therein;
  • We have taken almost sixty per cent of the defence items out of the licensing process
  • Most of the FDI sectors are now put on automatic approval route;
  • Shipyards are being given Infrastructure status; at par with the ports;
  • Rebate of service tax on coastal shipping has been increased to seventy per cent;
  • We have granted customs duty and central excise exemption on inputs used in ship building;
  • A scheme of financial assistance to promote ship building has been approved;  
  • Customs and central excise duties have been exempted on bunker fuel for Indian flagged container ships;
  • Tax issues of sea farers have been resolved;
  • A new company by the name of Indian Port Rail Corporation, has been established to focus on the last mile connectivity to ports.
  • We have enacted a legislation for declaring one hundred and eleven waterways as National Waterways-1.
  • We have taken up skill development activities aggressively.

The results of our initial efforts are clearly visible:

  • FDI inflows have gone up by 44 per cent since this government took over. In fact, the year 2015-16 has seen the highest ever FDI inflow into India;
  • India’s highest ever quantity of cargo handled by major ports was in 2015;
  • The port efficiency parameters have shown very good improvement;  
  • India’s fastest average turnaround time in ports was in 2015;  
  • In the last two years, our Major Ports have added 165 million tonne capacity with record additions each year; 
  • 94 million tonne capacity was added by these ports in 2015-16 alone which is the highest ever;
  • The traffic in Major Ports has shown a healthy growth of more than four per cent in the last two years, despite global slowdown;
  • The performance of the Major Ports in the last two years has been remarkable;
  • Operating Profit margins which were declining, have increased;
  • In 2015-16 alone, the operating profit of the twelve Major Ports has increased by nearly 6.7 billion rupees;  
  • During 2015-16, Kandla Port in Gujarat breached the one hundred million traffic landmark and displayed twenty per cent improvement in efficiency. 
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust registered a net profit of ten billion rupees helped by a twelve per cent increase in efficiency.
  • Our flagship companies like the Shipping Corporation, Dredging Corporation and the Cochin Shipyard have registered higher profits as compared to the previous year.

However, this is just the beginning. We want to do more. We are enhancing our own capacities of execution and implementation. The National Perspective Plan of the Sagarmala Programme has been released today.  During the last two years, major ports have awarded 56 new Projects involving an investment of more than 250 billion rupees. This will create an additional port capacity of 317 million tonnes per annum.  Our vision is to increase port capacity from 1400 million tonnes to 3000 million tonnes by 2025. We want to mobilize an investment of one lakh crore, or one trillion rupees, in the Port Sector to enable this growth. Five new ports are planned to meet the increasing demand of the Exim trade which will rise in proportion with the fast-growing Indian economy. New ports are also being developed by several coastal States of India.

The multiple measures to promote Coastal Shipping coupled with the anticipated rise in domestic production of coal, is expected to enhance coastal transportation of coal by at least four fold by 2025. We are engaging with our immediate and regional neighbours to promote shipping and maritime security. Recently India has signed a Coastal Shipping Agreement with Bangladesh which will be mutually beneficial. India is also engaged in the development of Chahbahar Port in Iran. A special purpose vehicle by the name India Ports Global Limited has been established to take up Maritime Projects overseas.

I am informed that the Ministry of Shipping is showcasing about 250 projects with investment opportunity in the Maritime Sector. These projects include various infrastructure development opportunities in 12 Major Ports, projects in eight maritime states and other agencies. Of these, over 100 projects have been identified under the Sagarmala Programme. With more than 14,000 kilometers of navigable inland waterways in the country, there is tremendous potential for development in this sector. My Government is committed to integration in infrastructure. We are also committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and to facilitate investments with an open mind.

Friends! All this is being done to benefit the common man. This is being done to provide employment to the youth. This is particularly being done to empower coastal communities. Approximately eighteen percent of India’s population lives in 72 coastal districts. It comprises twelve percent of India’s landmass. Therefore, there is a need for holistic and sustainable development of coastal regions and communities. Development of coastal communities especially fishermen requires an integrated approach. As part of the Sagarmala programme, we will adopt a comprehensive approach with focus on capacity building and training, upgrading of technology and for improving physical and social infrastructure. This will be done in collaboration with the coastal states.

These initiatives will create employment opportunities of approximately ten million jobs over the next ten years. This includes four million direct and six million indirect jobs. To broaden livelihood opportunities further, we are planning to deploy modern and sophisticated fishing vessels. This would enable them to harness resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. In addition, we are also focusing on value addition in fisheries, aquaculture and cold chain development.

The Port Sector in India is a good mix of Private and Public Ports, with both contributing to the growth of the sector. The PPP model of development has been quite successful in this sector and has helped in bringing latest technology and best practices. Private Ports have been growing at a very healthy pace and have nearly doubled their capacity in the last 5 years. They handle around 45 per cent of the total cargo. Most of these Ports are new, with modern facilities and can match the best international Ports in terms of performance and infrastructure.

Friends! India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future. The maritime sector not only creates and facilitates economic activities; it also connects countries and civilizations. Moreover, it is the cleanest and cheapest carrier of global trade. Investing in maritime sector is not only investing in one’s own future; but in the future of the planet and that of coming generations. However, in this sector, no country can achieve the desired results in isolation. Nations have to collaborate to realize this potential and to overcome challenges in this sector. The objective of this Summit is to provide a platform and forum for such cooperation.

To conclude, I would like to say that:

  • This is the right time to come to India;
  • It is even better to come through the sea route;
  • The Indian ship is well equipped for a long haul;
  • Don’t miss it;
  • Missing it means missing a pleasant journey and a great destination.

Once you are here, I assure you that I will personally hold your hands to see that your berthing is safe, secure and satisfactory.

Thank You!

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PM Modi addresses the Bharat Tex 2025
February 16, 2025
Bharat Tex is becoming a strong platform for engagement, collaboration and partnership for the policymakers, CEOs and industry leaders from across the world: PM
Bharat Tex showcases the cultural diversity of India through our traditional garments: PM
India saw a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports last year, and is currently ranked the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparels in the world: PM
Any sector excels when it has a skilled workforce and skill plays a crucial role in the textile industry: PM
It is important to maintain the authenticity of handloom craftsmanship in the age of technology: PM
World is adopting the vision of Fashion for Environment and Empowerment, and India can lead the way in this regard: PM
India's textile industry can turn ‘Fast Fashion Waste’ into an opportunity, leveraging the country's diverse traditional skills in textile recycling and up-cycling: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Bharat Tex 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. He also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed everyone to Bharat Tex 2025 and remarked that today Bharat Mandapam was witnessing the 2nd edition of Bharat Tex. He added that the event gave a glimpse of our heritage as well as the prospects of Viksit Bharat, which was a matter of pride for India. “Bharat Tex is now becoming a mega global textile event”, remarked Shri Modi. He added that all the twelve communities related to the spectrum of the value chain were part of the event this time. He further noted that there were exhibitions of accessories, garments, machineries, chemicals and dyes as well. The Prime Minister highlighted that Bharat Tex was becoming a strong platform for engagement, collaboration and partnership for the policymakers, CEOs and industry leaders from across the world. He lauded the efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the organization of the event.

“More than 120 countries are participating in the Bharat Tex today”, said Shri Modi. He added that this meant that every exhibitor had the exposure to more than 120 countries, giving them the opportunity to expand their business from local to global. He added that those entrepreneurs in search of new markets were getting a good exposure of the cultural needs of various global markets. Recalling his visit to the exhibition at the event, the Prime Minister remarked that he visited many stalls and interacted with entrepreneurs. He also highlighted that many participants shared their experiences of joining Bharat Tex last year. They reported gaining new buyers on a large scale and expanding their business. The Prime Minister remarked that this event is significantly boosting investments, exports, and overall growth in the textile sector. Shri Modi urged the banking sector to cater to the needs of the entrepreneurs from the textile sector to help expand their business thereby creating employment and opportunities.

“Bharat Tex showcases the cultural diversity of India through our traditional garments”, remarked the Prime Minister. He added that from east to west, north to south, India has a vast range of traditional attire. He highlighted various types of garments, such as Lucknowi chikankari, bandhani from Rajasthan and Gujarat, patola from Gujarat, Banarasi silk from Varanasi, Kanjivaram silk from the south, and pashmina from Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister emphasized that this is the right time for such events to promote the diversity and uniqueness of our textile industry, fostering its growth.

Highlighting that last year he discussed five factors for the textile industry: farm, fiber, fabric, fashion, and foreign, Shri Modi remarked that this vision is becoming a mission for India, opening new growth avenues for farmers, weavers, designers, and traders. “India saw a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports last year, and now ranks as the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparels in the world”, he pointed out. He noted that India’s textile exports have reached ₹3 lakh crore, with a target to increase this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030.

Emphasizing that the success in the textile sector is the result of a decade of consistent efforts and policies, the Prime Minister highlighted that foreign investment in the textile sector has doubled over the last decade. “Textile industry is one of the largest providers of employment opportunities in the country, contributing 11% to India's manufacturing sector”, he added. He also pointed out the Mission Manufacturing announced in this budget. He remarked that the investments and growth in this sector are benefiting crores of textile workers.

Shri Modi underlined that addressing the challenges and realizing the potential of India's textile sector is their commitment. He highlighted that the efforts and policies over the last decade are reflected in this year's budget. He added that to ensure a reliable cotton supply and make Indian cotton globally competitive and to strengthen the value chain, the Mission for Cotton Productivity was announced. The Prime Minister said there was focus on sunrise sectors like technical textiles and promoting indigenous carbon fiber and its products. He remarked that India is progressing towards manufacturing high-grade carbon fiber. Furthermore, the Prime Minister mentioned that the necessary policy decisions for the textile sector are being taken. He highlighted the expansion of MSMEs' classification criteria and increased credit availability in this year's budget. He also stressed that the textile sector, with 80% contribution from MSMEs, will greatly benefit from these measures.

“Any sector excels when it has a skilled workforce and skill plays a crucial role in the textile industry”, exclaimed Shri Modi. Adding that efforts were being made to create a skilled talent pool, he highlighted the role of National Centres of Excellence for skilling and mentioned that the Samarth scheme is aiding in developing the necessary skills for the value chain. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the authenticity of handloom craftsmanship in the age of technology. He highlighted the efforts to enhance the skills and opportunities for handloom artisans, ensuring their products reach global markets. “Over the past 10 years, more than 2400 large marketing events have been organized to promote handlooms”, he added. He also mentioned the creation of the India-hand-made e-commerce platform to boost online marketing of handloom products, which has seen thousands of handloom brands register. The Prime Minister pointed out the significant benefits of GI tagging for handloom products.

Highlighting that during the Bharat Tex event last year, the Textiles Startup Grand Challenge was launched, inviting innovative sustainable solutions from the youth for the textile sector, the Prime Minister noted that young participants from across the country actively took part in this challenge, and the winners have been invited to this event. He remarked that startups willing to support these young innovators have also been invited. He acknowledged the support of IIT Madras, Atal Innovation Mission, and several major private textile organizations for the pitch fest, which will promote the startup culture in the country. Shri Modi encouraged the youth to bring forward new techno-textile startups and work on new ideas. He suggested that the textile industry could collaborate with institutions like IITs to develop new tools. He observed that the new generation is increasingly appreciating traditional attire alongside modern fashion trends. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of fusing tradition with innovation and launching products inspired by traditional garments to attract the new generation globally. The Prime Minister also addressed the growing role of technology in discovering new trends and creating new styles, with AI playing a significant part. He mentioned that while traditional khadi is being promoted, fashion trends are also being analyzed using AI. He recounted the organization of a fashion show of Khadi Products in Porbandar, Gujarat when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Shri Modi urged the importance of promoting Khadi, remarking that it was ‘Khadi for nation’ during our freedom struggle, but now it should be ‘Khadi for fashion’.

Sharing that his recent visit to Paris, known as the fashion capital of the world, where significant partnerships were formed between the two countries on various issues, Shri Modi highlighted that discussions included topics on environment and climate change, emphasizing the global understanding of the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, which also impacts the fashion world. The Prime Minister remarked, “the world is adopting the vision of Fashion for Environment and Empowerment, and India can lead the way in this regard”. He pointed out that sustainability has always been an integral part of Indian textiles tradition, citing examples like khadi, tribal textiles, and the use of natural dyes. He underlined that India's traditional sustainable techniques are now being enhanced with cutting-edge technologies, benefiting artisans, weavers, and millions of women associated with the industry.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste generation in the textile industry. He highlighted the issue of "fast fashion waste," where millions of garments are discarded monthly due to changing trends, posing significant environmental and ecological threats. He noted that by 2030, fashion waste could reach 148 million tons, with less than a quarter of textile waste being recycled today. Shri Modi remarked that India's textile industry can turn this concern into an opportunity, leveraging the country's diverse traditional skills in textile recycling and up-cycling. He pointed out examples such as the creation of mats, rugs, and coverings from old or leftover fabrics, and fine quilts made from even torn clothes in Maharashtra. He emphasized that innovation in these traditional arts can lead to global market opportunities. He announced that the Textile Ministry has signed an MoU with the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises and e-Marketplace to promote up-cycling, with many up-cyclers already registered. Pilot projects for door-to-door collection of textile waste are being conducted in cities like Navi Mumbai and Bangalore. The Prime Minister encouraged startups to join these efforts, explore opportunities, and take early steps to lead in the global market. He projected that India's textile recycling market could reach $400 million in the next few years, while the global recycled textile market is estimated to reach $7.5 billion. He remarked that with the right direction, India could achieve a larger share in this market.

Shri Modi remarked that centuries ago, when India was at the pinnacle of prosperity, the textile industry played a significant role in that prosperity. He emphasized that as India progresses towards the goal of becoming Viksit Bharat, the textile sector will once again play a major role. The Prime Minister highlighted that events like Bharat Tex are strengthening India's position in this sector. He concluded his address by expressing confidence that this event will continue to set new records of success and reach new heights each year.

Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of state for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present on the occasion among other dignitaries.

Background

Bharat Tex 2025, a mega global event, being held from February 14-17 at Bharat Mandapam, is unique because it brings together the entire textile value chain from raw materials to finished products including accessories under one single roof.

Bharat Tex platform is the textile industry’s largest and most comprehensive event comprising a mega expo spread across two venues and showcasing the entire textile ecosystem. It also features a Global scale conference featuring over 70 conference sessions, Roundtables, Panel Discussions, and master classes. It includes exhibitions that shall feature Special Innovation and Start up Pavilions. It also includes hackathons based Startup Pitch Fest and innovation fests, Tech tanks and design challenges providing funding opportunities for startups through leading investors.

Bharat Tex 2025 is expected to attract policymakers and global CEOs, over 5000 Exhibitors, 6000 international buyers from over 120 countries among various other visitors. Over 25 Leading Global textile bodies and associations from across the world including International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), EURATEX, Textile Exchange, US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) among others will also participate.