PM Narendra Modi calls for Rules-Based Maritime Order in Message to 3rd Sagarmanthan Dialogue

October 7, 2026

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Prime Minister welcomes Global Leaders to the Thought Leadership Conference, cites Port Growth & New Maritime Laws

India’s maritime vision extends across regions and oceans and is built on cooperation, trust, mutual respect and mutual benefit: PM Modi

प्रविष्टि तिथि: 07 OCT 2026 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed policymakers, maritime leaders and experts from around the world to the third edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue on Tuesday, calling for a “free, open, secure and rules-based maritime order” that brings peace and prosperity to all nations.

“Our vision is of a free, open, secure and rules-based maritime order that brings greater peace, prosperity and progress for all. I am confident that Sagarmanthan will give greater strength to this larger vision,” PM Modi said in a written message to the conference, which the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) are organising in New Delhi.

PM Modi said what happens in one part of the world can affect places far beyond its shores, making global dialogue and cooperation on the oceans more important than ever. The name Sagarmanthan, which means “churning of the ocean,” holds special meaning in Indian tradition, where the churning is linked to the discovery of new possibilities, Modi said. He said the oceans hold “immense promise” for the world’s economies, people and planet.

“India’s relationship with the ocean is also about responsibility. As we build a stronger maritime economy, we are protecting the health of our oceans and coastal ecosystems. India’s maritime vision extends across regions and oceans and is built on cooperation, trust, mutual respect and mutual benefit. We believe the oceans must become a source of shared prosperity, where every country has a voice and an opportunity to grow,” wrote Prime Minister.

Modi traced India’s seafaring history from the ancient port city of Lothal to the Chola dynasty and the naval vision of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Indian sailors and traders carried goods, ideas, stories and culture to distant lands, he said. PM Modi linked the country’s maritime ambitions to Viksit Bharat, the government’s goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.

PM Modi said India’s major ports have nearly doubled their capacity while turnaround times have dropped significantly. “India is looking at the sea with a renewed sense of purpose. The journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 is also a journey towards a stronger and more capable maritime India. We are preparing for a new era of shipbuilding and green shipping. Our major ports have nearly doubled their capacity, while turnaround times have come down significantly,” said PM Modi.

The government is also investing in ocean science and exploration to better understand the country’s seas and use them responsibly. “India has also brought in new-generation maritime laws to create a modern framework for the sector. At the same time, we are investing in ocean science and exploration so that we can understand our seas better and make responsible use of their immense potential,” added PM Modi.

Modi said Indian seafarers now form the second-largest maritime workforce in the world, with young Indians earning respect across the world’s oceans. He said India is protecting ocean health and coastal ecosystems as it builds a stronger maritime economy. India’s maritime vision rests on cooperation, trust, mutual respect and mutual benefit, he said.

“We believe the oceans must become a source of shared prosperity, where every country has a voice and an opportunity to grow,” PM Modi said. He expressed confidence that Sagarmanthan would strengthen that vision and said he hoped the dialogue would bring fresh ideas, deeper partnerships and opportunities for generations to come.