The Maritime Sector in India comprises Ports, Terminals, Shipping Lines, Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industries, Intermodal (truck and rail), Inland Water Transport Systems, Offshore Drilling, and the logistics organizations to make it all work.

India has 12 major ports and 185 intermediate ports. Over 95 percent of India's trade is carried out through maritime transport along its 7,617 km long coastline. India also has the largest merchant shipping fleet among the developing countries and is ranked 17th in the world. There are approximately 55 shipping companies in India, of which 19 deal exclusively in coastal trade, 29 are engaged in overseas trade, and the rest all operate in both types of trade.

A modern and robust port, ship, truck-rail and logistics sector is critical to India's continued success.

Many countries from Europe, North America and Asia are pouring technology, investment and manpower into India. Japan alone has committed 30 billion dollars to India's infrastructure. Norway and South Korea already are heavily involved in shipbuilding, ship repair and other sectors. Holland, France, Germany and England are involved in port and terminal ventures. Singapore, Hong Kong, Maylasia, Dubai and Australia have made major investments and joint venture arrangements in India's port, terminal operations, and shipbuilding sectors. Shipping lines in India and from around the globe are ramping up capacity to handle increased container and non-container shipments to and from India.

Companies from all over the globe are opening offices in India, looking to bring technology, investment, products and services to India's maritime sector. Others are looking to create joint ventures, locate distributors and capture market share.