NEW DELHI: India is stepping up its efforts to strengthen its position in the global shipbuilding industry, with the Government of India preparing to host the India Shipbuilding Investment Conclave 2026 in New Delhi on November 16–17, 2026. The high-level investment forum is aimed at bringing together leading international shipyards, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), maritime technology providers and investors to explore collaborative opportunities and accelerate investments in India’s shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
Announcing the upcoming conclave through a LinkedIn post, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said that the premier forum would provide a platform for global maritime industry leaders and investors to unlock significant collaborative opportunities in India’s maritime manufacturing sector.
The Minister also informed that he had reviewed the preparations for the event with senior officials. Emphasising the Government’s commitment to the country’s shipbuilding ambitions, he stated that, driven by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is fully committed to elevating itself into the Top Five global shipbuilding nations.
Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the conclave is envisioned as a focused, investment-oriented platform to translate India’s growing shipbuilding ambitions into concrete investment partnerships, technology collaborations and greenfield shipyard development projects.
Global Shipbuilding Investment Dialogue at the Centre
A key component of the conclave will be the Global Shipbuilding Investment Dialogue, designed as a private, action-oriented forum for anchor investments, technology partnerships and the development of new shipbuilding facilities in India.
The initiative seeks to connect global shipbuilding leaders with India’s emerging industrial and maritime opportunities, providing a platform to discuss investment prospects, manufacturing capabilities, supply-chain partnerships and the development of a comprehensive shipbuilding ecosystem.
The programme will focus on India’s shipbuilding demand outlook, policy support, incentives and financing architecture, alongside presentations on five proposed investment-ready shipbuilding clusters. These locations are expected to showcase waterfront infrastructure, land availability, logistics connectivity and supporting industrial ecosystems.
Five States to Showcase Shipbuilding Investment Opportunities
The conclave will highlight five proposed shipbuilding investment clusters across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
These locations will be presented to prospective investors as potential destinations for shipyard development and associated maritime manufacturing activities. The initiative is intended to facilitate engagement between international investors, state governments, port authorities and special purpose vehicles (SPVs), helping prospective partners assess infrastructure, connectivity and project implementation opportunities.
The participation of global shipyards, OEMs and technology providers is expected to provide opportunities for collaboration across ship construction, marine engines, equipment manufacturing, engineering, marine systems, skills development and other supporting segments of the maritime value chain.
Two-Day Programme Focused on Investment and Implementation
According to the conclave programme, the first day, November 16, will feature principal-level discussions, beginning with the Minister’s welcome address and opening keynote, followed by sessions on India’s shipbuilding opportunities, policy framework, investment incentives and financing mechanisms.
A dedicated greenfield cluster showcase will present the five proposed investment locations, followed by a roundtable involving global maritime leaders to deliberate on supply chains, skill development and investment facilitation.
The programme will also include curated panel discussions covering engines, marine systems, engineering, skills and other supporting areas of the shipbuilding ecosystem. Pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings with cluster teams, SPVs, port authorities and state government representatives will provide prospective investors with opportunities for focused discussions.
The first day’s proceedings will conclude with a session on the way forward, emphasising clearly identified responsibilities, single-window follow-through and an action-oriented implementation plan.
On November 17, participating delegates will undertake site visits to one of the five proposed shipbuilding clusters in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha or Tamil Nadu, according to their vessel strategies and investment interests. The visits will include infrastructure and logistics assessments, interactions with SPV, state and port leadership, and discussions on implementation requirements.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Manufacturing Ecosystem
The India Shipbuilding Investment Conclave 2026 represents an important step in India’s efforts to attract international capital, advanced technologies and industrial partnerships into its domestic shipbuilding sector.
Beyond shipyard development, the initiative is expected to encourage the growth of a wider maritime manufacturing ecosystem encompassing marine equipment, engines, engineering services, technology solutions, skilled manpower and supporting supply chains.
The proposed investment clusters, combined with structured engagement between global industry leaders and Indian authorities, are intended to create a pathway for translating investment interest into actionable projects.
With the Government placing increased emphasis on expanding domestic shipbuilding capabilities and strengthening India’s maritime industrial base, the conclave will provide an opportunity to bring international expertise and investment closer to the country’s long-term shipbuilding ambitions.
As India works towards its stated objective of becoming one of the world’s Top Five shipbuilding nations, the November conclave is expected to serve as a significant platform for building international partnerships, identifying investment opportunities and advancing the country’s aspirations in global maritime manufacturing.
