The Indian government has announced that its plan to add around 100 new merchant vessels will be closely tied to expanding seafarer training capacity, tackling welfare gaps and creating new employment pathways, with the goal of cementing India’s role as a leading global supplier of skilled seafarers.
On August 25, 2026, Indian ministers used a series of maritime policy events to signal that a planned fleet expansion of about 100 new merchant ships will go hand-in-hand with a major push on seafarer training and employment. The Labour and Employment Minister highlighted India’s “large seafaring workforce” and described the maritime sector as a potential “engine of employment” for the country’s youth, stressing the need to expand quality training, strengthen industry-led skilling, and build skills for emerging segments like cruise shipping and advanced shipbuilding. Officials said the National Shipping Board will advise on shipping policy, tonnage, seafarer welfare and port-linked maritime development under the Merchant Shipping Act.
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