India has emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, marking a massive expansion in its maritime workforce over the past 12 years, said Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The country’s seafarer population has increased from 1.27 lakh to 3.23 lakh, taking its share to more than 12 per cent of the global workforce, according to the figures provided.
India’s position has risen from fifth place in 2015 to second globally, reflecting the growing contribution of Indian professionals to the international shipping industry. Alongside this expansion, the country is also witnessing an increase in the number of women pursuing careers at sea, supported by initiatives aimed at improving their participation and strengthening maritime training.
Minister highlighted the role of young Indians in shaping the country’s maritime future, stressing the importance of skills, training and access to opportunities across the sector.
“India’s maritime future will be written by the youth,” saidSonowal. “Today, our seafarers are trusted and respected on every ocean, and more women than ever are choosing careers at sea. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are building the skills, institutions and opportunities so that every young Indian who dreams of the sea can help lead the world’s maritime economy.”
Indian Seafarer Numbers Rise To 3.23 Lakh
The increase in India’s seafarer workforce from 1.27 lakh to 3.23 lakh over 12 years highlights the country’s growing presence in the global maritime industry. India, which ranked fifth among seafarer-supplying nations in 2015, now occupies the second position, accounting for more than 12 per cent of the world’s seafaring workforce.
The expansion underscores the importance of developing a steady pipeline of trained professionals to meet the requirements of shipping companies and the wider maritime economy.
As the industry evolves, access to practical training and opportunities to gain experience aboard vessels will remain important for preparing new entrants for the demands of working at sea.
Women’s Participation At Sea Records Significant Growth
The number of active women seafarers in India has increased substantially, rising from 1,599 in 2021 to 7,033 in 2025.
The growth has been supported by the Sagar Mein Samman initiative, which aims to encourage greater participation by women in the maritime workforce.
India is looking to build on this progress through Mission 20 per cent by 2030, an initiative aimed at increasing women’s representation in the sector. The focus on participation reflects efforts to make maritime careers more accessible while expanding the pool of skilled professionals available to the industry.
The rise in women’s employment at sea also marks an important development for a sector seeking to broaden its talent base and create more opportunities for aspiring maritime professionals.
India Seeks Stronger Shipbuilding And Repair Capabilities
India’s maritime ambitions extend beyond supplying trained seafarers to strengthening domestic shipbuilding and ship-repair infrastructure. Sonowal has emphasised the need to develop repair facilities within the country and establish an ecosystem capable of supporting a larger domestic fleet. Building these capabilities could improve self-reliance while creating opportunities across shipbuilding, maintenance, logistics and associated services.
International interest in India’s shipbuilding sector, including orders and opportunities involving Germany, the United States and Norway, could also support the development of domestic capabilities and encourage collaboration with overseas industry participants.
