Prime Minister Modi Felicitated by Ship Recycling Industries Association India at Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar, Gujarat – September 20, 2025, will be remembered as a defining chapter in India’s maritime journey. On this day, the Ship Recycling Industries Association (India) warmly welcomed and felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a symbolic ship’s steering wheel memento during the grand event “SAGAR se SAMRUDDHI Tak” at Jawahar Maidan, Bhavnagar. The gesture carried deep meaning for the ship recycling community, symbolising leadership, direction, and the nation’s commitment to steering India’s maritime future towards prosperity.
The event was more than just a formal program. It marked a historic convergence of vision, policy, and industry, bringing together the Government of India, the State Government of Gujarat, and leading stakeholders from the shipbuilding, shipping, and recycling sectors. The atmosphere in Bhavnagar was charged with enthusiasm, as thousands of participants — including ministers, industrialists, ship recycling yard owners, workers, and local residents — witnessed the launch of a new era in India’s maritime and shipbuilding growth.
Prime Minister Modi, who shares a longstanding personal and political connection with Gujarat’s coastal economy, addressed the gathering with a vision that resonated with both policymakers and industry players. He underlined that India, with its extensive coastline, strategic location, and skilled manpower, has the potential to emerge as one of the world’s leading maritime powers by 2047. The Prime Minister emphasized that Bhavnagar and Alang — already known globally for ship recycling — would play a central role in this transformation, expanding their scope from shipbreaking to shipbuilding, repair, and allied industries.
The highlight of the day was the foundation stone laying and inauguration of several projects of national importance. These included major port modernization initiatives, new shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, and the development of integrated maritime clusters. Exhibitions and project models were displayed across the venue, offering a glimpse into India’s maritime vision for the coming decades.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the program was the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Government of Gujarat, private sector investors, and shipbuilding companies. Collectively worth thousands of crores, these MoUs are expected to inject fresh capital into Gujarat’s maritime cluster. The projects cover diverse areas such as industrial infrastructure, connectivity, logistics hubs, and specialized ship repair docks, all of which will strengthen Gujarat’s position as the driving force behind India’s maritime economy.
Industry leaders described the event as a turning point. Representatives from the Ship Recycling Industries Association highlighted how the global narrative around ship recycling has evolved over the years, particularly after the adoption of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC). By embracing sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, Alang has moved from being criticized as a hazardous industry to becoming a global model for responsible ship recycling. The Prime Minister’s presence and recognition of the industry at this event were seen as a powerful endorsement of this transformation.
Beyond industry partnerships, the event carried significant implications for employment generation. With new shipyards, repair units, and industrial clusters planned for Bhavnagar and nearby regions, the projects are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Local youth, especially those from fishing and coastal communities, will gain new opportunities in shipbuilding, engineering, logistics, and maritime services. The state government also announced training initiatives to skill workers for advanced shipbuilding and ship repair technologies, aligning with India’s broader agenda of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Environmental sustainability was another major theme throughout the program. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to green shipping and reducing the carbon footprint of maritime activities. The government plans to introduce eco-friendly shipbuilding practices, alternative fuels, and cleaner technologies, ensuring that India’s shipyards and ports align with global climate commitments. This aligns closely with the broader Maritime Vision 2047, which aims not only for industrial growth but also for a blue economy that thrives on balance between development and ecology.
For Bhavnagar, the day was also a matter of pride and cultural celebration. The city, historically known for its maritime traditions, came alive with decorated streets, cultural performances, and enthusiastic citizens welcoming dignitaries. The felicitation of Prime Minister Modi with the ship’s steering wheel memento by the Ship Recycling Industries Association stood out as a symbolic highlight. It was not only an expression of gratitude but also a statement that the maritime community sees him as the guiding force leading India into a new era of global recognition in the shipping and shipbuilding sectors.
Observers noted that the timing of this event is crucial. With global shipping undergoing rapid changes due to sustainability concerns, decarbonization drives, and shifting trade routes, India is positioning itself as a proactive player rather than a passive participant. By investing heavily in maritime infrastructure and forging partnerships between government and industry, the country is preparing to capture new opportunities in global shipbuilding, ship repair, and recycling markets.
The program concluded with a renewed sense of optimism. As the sun set over Bhavnagar’s coastline, the symbolic message of “SAGAR se SAMRUDDHI Tak” — prosperity through the seas — echoed across the gathering. For the people of Bhavnagar, especially those connected with Alang’s ship recycling yards, this was not just another political event. It was a recognition of their struggles, achievements, and future potential.
September 20, 2025, will be remembered as the day when India, through its leadership and vision, reaffirmed its maritime destiny. With the government’s strong push, industry’s active participation, and Gujarat’s pioneering role, the foundation has been laid for India to rise as a global maritime powerhouse. The steering wheel presented to the Prime Minister symbolized not just leadership, but also the collective determination to navigate the challenges ahead and sail confidently into a future of maritime prosperity.
Author: shipping inbox
shipping and maritime related web portal
