Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a consortium consisting of India Ports Global, Sagar Mala Development Company and India Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation to expand their maritime footprint and strengthen supply chains, among others.

In addition to this, Sonowal, who is the Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, also rolled out a slew of other initiatives including 'One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)' to standardise and streamline operations across India's major ports, the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) Sagar Ankalan for FY 2023-24 and MAITRI (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) APP during a post-Budget industry stakeholders meeting.

Along with this, he also launched the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) website.

"India's Blue Economy is not just about ships and ports -- it's about jobs, trade, sustainability, and economic growth. There is immense potential, and we are committed to ensuring that you have the right policies, the right financing, and the right environment to thrive," the minister said.

He said, "We are not just aiming to be a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 

2030, we are aiming to create an ecosystem that is world-class, efficient, and future-ready."

By developing robust port infrastructure, the Bharat Global Ports Consortium initiative will streamline logistics, strengthen supply chains, and support the 'Make in India' initiative by boosting exports, Sonowal said.