NSB–Deloitte Talks Focus on Shipbuilding, Indian Tonnage and Port Modernisation
NEW DELHI: The National Shipping Board (NSB), under the chairpersonship of Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd.), held a constructive meeting with a Deloitte delegation on October 15, 2026, at the NSB office in New Delhi to deliberate on strategic initiatives for advancing India’s maritime ambitions under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The discussions centred on roadmaps proposed by various NSB subcommittees to achieve the Vision’s long-term objectives and strengthen India’s position in the global maritime landscape. Key priorities included expanding Indian shipping tonnage, developing a robust shipbuilding, ship repair and ship recycling ecosystem, and increasing India’s share of the global seafarer workforce.
The meeting also examined measures to promote coastal shipping and inland waterways, preserve and document India’s rich maritime heritage, and accelerate port modernisation. These areas represent critical pillars of India’s maritime development strategy, with the potential to enhance domestic shipping capacity, strengthen maritime infrastructure, generate employment and improve the country’s competitiveness in international trade.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Capabilities
Increasing Indian-flagged tonnage and developing domestic shipbuilding and repair capabilities are important to strengthening the country’s maritime self-reliance. Similarly, expanding opportunities for Indian seafarers in the global workforce and promoting coastal and inland waterway transportation can contribute to a more integrated, efficient and competitive logistics network.
The discussions also underscored the importance of preserving India’s maritime legacy alongside the modernisation of its ports and the development of a future-ready maritime ecosystem.
The Deloitte delegation comprised Mr. James Jordan, Mr. NSN Murthy, Mr. Anshuman Saikia and other team members. Shri Sameer Kumar Khare was supported by Mr. S. Bhowmik and Mr. T. Padhi from the NSB Secretariat.
Both sides agreed to remain engaged and take the discussions forward, reflecting a shared commitment to continued dialogue on the strategic priorities identified during the meeting.
The engagement represents a constructive step in advancing the roadmaps proposed by the NSB subcommittees and supporting the broader objectives of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and establish the country as a leading force in the global maritime sector.
