Heavy dependence on foreign shipping for trade poses strategic risk, says CSL chief

India’s heavy dependence on foreign shipping for trade despite its naval strength poses a strategic risk, as disruptions in global shipping could severely impact the country’s economy, Madhu S. Nair, chairman and managing director, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), said here on Wednesday.

He was inaugurating the Kochi Shipbuilding Summit 2025, jointly organised by CSL and the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) as a prelude to the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 to be held from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai.

D Dhanuraj, Chairman, CPPR, highlighted the importance of synergy between industry and academia to address capability gaps and promote innovation.

“Building an ecosystem that encourages research, skill development, and global partnerships is essential for India to achieve long-term maritime leadership,”

he is quoted.

A panel discussion moderated by Dr R P Pradhan, Professor at BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, and Distinguished Fellow (Political Economy), CPPR, called for strategies to enhance India’s shipbuilding competitiveness through financial reforms, technology adoption, digitalisation, and global collaboration.

Read the full article by The Hindu here.

Find all media mentions about the Kochi Shipbuilding Summit 2025 here.

Views expressed by the author are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of the Centre for Public Policy Research.