India must boost exports to be world’s third-largest economic power : Shantanu Thakur

NEW DELHI : “India will have to increase its exports to become the world’s third-largest economic power, and the shipping and waterways sector will play a vital role in enhancing exports “, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, at the 2nd ExL 2025: A Conference on Export Logistics, held here on 10 July 2025, said on Thursday.

Addressing an event organised by industry body CII, Thakur stresses the need for equal and balanced focus on the development of each sector and said priority must be given to enhancing the value of Indian products.

He highlighted that the reduction of turnaround time for transporting goods from one state to another is of paramount importance.

“India is strengthening its export logistics ecosystem! Glad to share the Government’s efforts at the 2nd CII ExL2025 to boost connectivity, reduce trade costs, and enable last-mile linkages under Hon’ble PM ShriNarendra Modi ji’s leadership. Exports are the driving force of India’s economic strength. Over the last 11 years, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in our export landscape across several key sectors. If India is to become a global economic powerhouse, enhancing our export capabilities is not an option, but a necessity,” Shri Thakur added.