Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has said India is advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels in the financial year 2026-27, backed by an investment of over 51,000 crore rupees.

Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting in New Delhi yesterday regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Mr Sonowal called for urgent expansion of the country’s shipping capacity to strengthen resilience against external disruptions. He also reviewed the joint venture between the Shipping Corporation of India and the oil public sector undertakings to acquire 59 vessels. Mr Sonowal reiterated that the safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a top priority for the government.