India’s stationary course in the shipping value chain

Boosting ship owning, chartering, financing and building would not only push India o the centre of the global maritime industry but also enhance its international trade presence.

The Yangtze River's Role in China's Maritime Dominance

• The Yangtze River has been integral to China's history, blending tradition, commerce, and culture.
• Today, it remains a lifeline for modern China, symbolized by the Three Gorges project.
• The Yangtze showcases a unique spectacle of massive merchant ships navigating in parallel convoys, emphasizing China's prowess in engineering, logistics, and shipping.

India v/s China

• India was ahead in maritime capabilities until the late With a tradition of ship-owning and a strong presence in the International Maritime Organization, India had a promising start.
• India's growth in the maritime sector focused on supplying labor to the global market. English-speaking Indian seafarers became commonplace, contributing to safety in the industry.
• Indians evolved into ship management, showcasing talent for value engineering.
• Indians managed companies contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings, estimated at $6 billion annually.

India's Challenges

• Stagnation in Ship Owning and Building:
  • India struggles to move up the shipping value chain, with ship owning, chartering, financing, and building largely inaccessible.
  • China, on the contrary, dominates global shipbuilding, producing half of the world's ships by 2020.
• Government Support: China's dedicated government plan propels shipbuilding and owning. Chinese shipowners primarily build ships at stateowned yards, ensuring control over the entire value chain.

Government Initiatives and Policy Gaps in India

• Maritime Agendas: Previous and present governments introduced maritime agendas. However, India's share in global shipbuilding dropped, and Maritime India Vision 2030 lacks a concrete plan for shipbuilding and owning.

• Sagarmala Initiative: While Sagarmala focuses on port infrastructure, naval ship orders dominate, neglecting the potential of shipbuilding for economic and strategic growth.

The Strategic Imperative for India in Shipbuilding

• Integral to Industrial and Naval Power: Shipbuilding is essential for strengthening both industrial and naval power. It provides a seat at the global maritime table and enhances India's presence in international trade.
• Military Significance: A robust shipbuilding industry is integral to a strong naval base. Nagasaki's shipyard, chosen as a target during World War II, exemplifies the intertwined nature of naval strength and shipbuilding capabilities.
• Economic Competitiveness: Improved shipping infrastructure enhances India's role as a global trade hub, boosting economic growth and expanding export opportunities.
• Geopolitical Significance: India's strategic coastal position makes robust shipping infrastructure vital for geopolitical influence and ensuring national security.
• Employment and Skill Development: Developing shipping infrastructure generates employment for seafarers, addressing unemployment challenges and promoting skill development.
• Integrated Supply Chains: Efficient shipping infrastructure reduces logistics costs, enhancing industrial competitiveness and attracting domestic and foreign investments.
• Regional Connectivity and Trade Facilitation: Improved infrastructure fosters regional trade partnerships and strengthens diplomatic ties.