Chapter 13 · The Archive
Speeches & Statements
Seventeen dated records, newest first. Quotations are reproduced exactly as they appear in the cited release of the Press Information Bureau; where a release only paraphrases him, no quotation is given.
- Speech or address
- Contains a verbatim quotation
2026
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Review of green shipping corridors
Green shipping and alternative fuels
Reviewed zero-emission shipping corridors, green bunkering hubs at Deendayal, Paradip and V.O. Chidambaranar ports, and shore power at Kamarajar Port.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)Green shipping is not a choice anymore, it is the direction the world is moving in, and India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intends to lead from the front.
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National Shipping Board — first ‘Sagar Samvad’
The Indian merchant fleet
Set out a plan to add 100 vessels to the Indian fleet in five years and to reduce India's freight payments abroad, put at US$75 billion; launched the National Shipping Board website.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)That consensus, and nothing else, is what will carry us to an Atmanirbhar Shipping Bharat by 2047.
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Stakeholder meeting on seafarer security and welfare
Seafarers and digital services
Launched the E-Samudra platform at a meeting organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, which also presented its grievance-redressal and welfare services.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)Our commitment is clear: every Indian seafarer must be safe, respected and supported.
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Draft National Water Metro Policy
Urban water transport
The ministry circulated a draft National Water Metro Policy for inter-ministerial consultation, ahead of a planned roll-out in 18 cities.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)Water Metro projects will be prioritised in regions with suitable geographic conditions, including continuous or semi-continuous waterways.
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Foundation stones for river lighthouses
Navigation on the Brahmaputra (NW-2)
Laid foundation stones for four river lighthouses at Bogibeel, Pandu, Silghat and Biswanath Ghat, at an estimated ₹84 crore, to be built by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships and IWAI.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)These lighthouses on the Brahmaputra are a statement of intent: that India's rivers are open for business, round the clock,
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Opening of waterway facilities
The Brahmaputra corridor
Opened customs and immigration complexes at Bogibeel and Dhubri and the renovated IWAI heritage building in Dibrugarh.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)The Brahmaputra is not just a river; it is our lifeline, our history and our future,
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Mumbai Port
Port heritage and development
Set out a ₹22,672-crore plan for the redevelopment of Mumbai Port's Eastern Waterfront, as reported in the PIB release.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)Mumbai has always been India's maritime gateway to the world.
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Statement on the Union Budget 2026–27
Budget provisions for the maritime sector
Responded to Budget announcements for the maritime sector, including 20 new National Waterways and a scheme related to containerised cargo.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)This scheme will build a strong domestic ecosystem capable of meeting the rising demand of containerised cargo and enhancing India's competitiveness in global trade.
2025
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Flag-off of a hydrogen fuel-cell vessel
Green inland water transport
Flagged off commercial service of India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell passenger vessel, owned by IWAI and built by Cochin Shipyard.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)The launch of our first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell vessel is a shining example of the Prime Minister's commitment to Make in India and the transition to green mobility across all sectors.
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34th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization, London
IMO Council election
Welcomed India's re-election to the IMO Council (Category B) for 2026–27, with 154 of 169 votes.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)A proud moment for India's maritime sector!
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India Maritime Week 2025 — closing press conference
Outcomes of India Maritime Week
Announced more than ₹12 lakh crore in investment commitments and over 600 MoUs from the week.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)The announcements made by our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji reflect the government's commitment to expanding India's maritime capacity, advancing sustainability, and driving indigenous innovation across the sector,
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Review meeting with the Government of Maharashtra; press conference
Preparations for India Maritime Week 2025
Reviewed arrangements for India Maritime Week with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Minister Nitesh Rane.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects and commitments into partnerships.
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Water Voyage Northeast 2025
Waterways of the North East
Announced two cruise vessels for the Brahmaputra at a cost of ₹250 crore, due in 2027, and invited participation in India Maritime Week 2025.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)India Maritime Week will not only be a confluence of ideas, but a confluence of confidence,
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Green Shipping Conclave 2025
Sustainability in shipping
Opened the conclave, attended by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, and referred to the Harit Sagar guidelines, the Green Tug Transition Programme and the Maritime Development Fund.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)India stands at the forefront of a global maritime revolution—one that prioritise sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
2021–24
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Taking charge of the ministry for a second term
Address to ministry officials
Took charge of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways after the 2024 general election and addressed its officials.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)We will continue to commit ourselves to the cause of nation building with the intent of Nation First as we move ahead towards achieving the ultimate goal of Viksit Bharat.
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Global Maritime India Summit 2023 — day two
Investment in the maritime sector
Reported 70 MoUs worth ₹2.37 lakh crore signed on the second day, and held bilateral meetings with ministers from Italy, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)Today, at the Global Maritime India Summit, 2023 has ushered a new age in sustainable development of the country with a record number of 70 MoUs with an investment of ₹2.37 lakh crores.
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First review of the ministry's projects
Taking office
Days after being sworn in, reviewed ongoing projects of the ministry with its Secretary and senior officials. The release paraphrases his remarks; no quotation is reproduced here.
PIB release (opens in a new tab)
Minor grammatical irregularities inside quotation marks are reproduced as published by PIB. Quotations ending in a comma are the opening clause of a longer quotation in the source.