ગુજરાતી
English
Bhavnagar, September 21, 2025
Promoting the maritime economy along the Gujarat coast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹33,600 crore at the “Prosperity from the Sea” program held in Bhavnagar on Sunday. On this occasion, he described the maritime sector as the key to India’s prosperity and self-reliance and spoke about building a new India through “chip to ship” manufacturing.
Mantra of Self-Reliant India
In his address, the Prime Minister said, “Self-reliance is the only way to realize the vision of a developed India by 2047. Foreign dependence is the biggest threat to India. Our future should be in our own hands, not in others.” He further stated that the government is continuously making policy changes to take India’s maritime culture to new heights.
Historic Transformation in the Maritime Sector
Prime Minister Modi stated that port capacity has doubled in the past decade, and India is now among the top three maritime nations in the world. Citing India’s rise in the shipbuilding sector, he said that 40 indigenous ships, including the recently commissioned INS Vikrant, have been built. He said, “Building one ship creates not only one job but also 600 other employment opportunities. This is the multiplier effect of the maritime sector.”
He further stated that the world’s largest maritime museum is being built in Lothal, which will be a magnificent symbol of India’s maritime heritage.
Gujarat’s Key Role
At the event, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “Today, under the Prime Minister’s vision, Gujarat handles 39% of the country’s cargo. Port-based industries, LNG terminals, container facilities, and maritime infrastructure have developed rapidly.” He further said, “Gujarat is a leader in solar and wind energy. Today, the state contributes 60% of the country’s renewable energy production.”
The Chief Minister called upon the citizens to use indigenous products during festivals like Navratri and Diwali and bring to life the Prime Minister’s mantra of “Local for Voice”.
