Forging a Growth Mindset and Vision for India’s Maritime Renaissance

Johnson Odakkal*

India’s maritime sector stands at a pivotal juncture, where historical legacy intersects with strategic imperatives of innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. This is a critical analysis of the evolution of the Indian maritime ecosystem in the context of Maritime India Vision 2030, drawing from contemporary policy frameworks, technological transitions, and community-based shipbuilding practices. Anchored in case studies from Mandvi, Beypore, and Tuticorin, it explores how traditional maritime knowledge can be integrated into modern shipbuilding and logistics frameworks. It further evaluates current challenges including regulatory complexity, infrastructural constraints, climate obligations, and fragmented skill development. The article argues for adopting a growth mindset, one that harmonises heritage, innovation, and inclusive policy design. It concludes by proposing actionable pathways for strengthening India’s maritime resurgence, grounded in sustainability, digital transformation, and strategic autonomy.

Keywords: Maritime policy; Shipbuilding; Strategic autonomy; Sustainability; Port infrastructure.

*Commodore, Indian Navy (Retd); Maritime Scholar and Strategic Analyst; Faculty in Global Politics; odakkaljohnson@gmail.com
Download PDF