Charting India’s Maritime Future: Navigating the Course to Viksit Bharat

When India became independent in 1947, it faced many challenges. More than 200 years of colonial rule had devastated its economy. At that time, India contributed about 23% of the world’s GDP, but by 1950, this dropped to just 3%. Poverty was widespread, literacy rates were around 12%, and agriculture and industries were struggling. However, since then, India has made great progress. Today, it produces enough food for its population and has a significantly improved industrial presence. Literacy rates have risen to over 77%, and India is now the fifth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4.27 trillion, following the USA, China, Germany, and Japan.

Despite these advancements, India still has a long way to go to become a developed nation. By the end of 2024, India’s GDP per capita is expected to be around $2,940, far lower than developed countries like the USA, Canada, Germany, and even China and Brazil. India’s leaders aim to change this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a vision for India to achieve developed status by 2047. This vision focuses on economic growth, technology, infrastructure, social empowerment, and sustainability.

In May 2020, Modi emphasized the need for self-reliance, or Atmanirbhar Bharat, as a vital step toward becoming a Viksit Bharat, or developed nation. By 2022, India officially set its sights on achieving this goal by 2047. To engage the younger generation, the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth’ initiative was introduced in December 2023. The government also prioritized this vision in the 2025 Union Budget, focusing on agriculture, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), investments, and exports. Important reforms in various sectors will support this growth.

Reaching this ambitious goal requires India’s economy to grow to a staggering $30 trillion with a per capita income of $18,000 by 2047. The Economic Survey for 2024-25 indicates that India needs to maintain an 8% growth rate for the next two decades to achieve this target. Creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation, and boosting the manufacturing sector are essential steps towards this future.

About 95% of India’s international trade by volume and 70% by value relies on sea transport. To transform into a $30 trillion economy, India must significantly boost manufacturing for both domestic use and exports. Therefore, seaborne trade will play a pivotal role in India’s growth. This makes maritime security crucial, aligning with India’s SAGAR vision—Security And Growth for All in the Region.

India’s geographical position within the Indian Ocean is strategically important. Its location, along with its naval capabilities and historical relationships with neighboring countries, makes it a key player in regional security. In February 2021, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways unveiled the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, a blueprint outlining over 150 initiatives to enhance India’s maritime sector. This plan aims to develop port infrastructure, improve logistics through technology, and bolster India’s position in shipbuilding and related industries.

The 2025 Union Budget introduced a Maritime Development Fund of Rs. 25,000 crore to support infrastructure and competitiveness in the maritime industry. Shipbuilders will benefit from easier access to credit and customs exemptions. Currently, Indian vessels represent only 2.6% of the global fleet, but expanding domestic capabilities could save the country a significant amount in shipping costs, promoting a more autonomous maritime sector.

While advancing its maritime capabilities, India faces other challenges like geopolitical rivalries, security threats, and impacts from climate change. For instance, China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean raises concerns, especially with its strategic port developments like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. India is reacting by reinforcing its naval strength and partnering with like-minded nations.

India’s Maritime Security Strategy emphasizes the importance of the Indian Ocean for national security. With a focus on regional stability, India has been involved in significant foreign policy initiatives and investments, such as providing a $100 million line of credit to Mauritius for security improvements.

Maritime security threats like piracy and drug trafficking pose dangers to India’s economic growth, which heavily relies on sea trade. These issues predominantly arise from areas like Somalia and Yemen. In response, the Indian Navy actively engages with regional forces to combat these threats. Recent operations show the effectiveness of intelligence cooperation and coordination among various maritime agencies.

The Indian Ocean is essential for global trade, passing through key shipping chokepoints. The safety of energy supplies through these routes is vital for countries like India, China, and Japan. Regional cooperation, such as through the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is crucial for promoting trade and ensuring security, albeit with limitations on enforcement power.

In conclusion, the Indian Ocean is fundamental to India’s aspirations for becoming a developed nation by 2047. A strong navy will be critical in securing maritime interests and ensuring stable trade routes. Collaborating with the US and neighboring countries will enhance stability in this vital maritime region.

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