Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again made a compelling case for a self-reliant India, highlighting the staggering costs the country has been incurring for foreign shipping services. The short headline, “‘India Was Paying Amount As Much As Its Defence Budget Just For…’: PM Modi Pitches For Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” underscores the urgency and scale of India’s dependence on external logistics infrastructure.
Addressing a rally in Gujarat on September 21, 2025, PM Modi revealed that India has been paying nearly ₹6 lakh crore annually to foreign companies for shipping its goods across the globe—a figure nearly equivalent to the nation’s defence budget. This revelation has reignited discussions around the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the need to build indigenous capabilities across strategic sectors.
Shipping Costs vs Defence Budget: A Stark Comparison
According to the Union Budget 2025-26, India’s defence allocation stands at ₹6,81,210.27 crore. PM Modi’s statement that shipping costs are nearly ₹6 lakh crore highlights a critical economic imbalance—where India’s trade logistics are heavily reliant on foreign entities, draining national resources that could otherwise be invested in domestic infrastructure.
| Category | Annual Expenditure (₹ Crore) | Percentage of Union Budget | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Budget (2025-26) | ₹6,81,210.27 | 13.45% | National security |
| Foreign Shipping Payments | ~₹6,00,000 | ~11.8% | Trade logistics |
| Domestic Shipping Investment | <₹1,00,000 | <2% | Underdeveloped sector |
This comparison has sparked calls for urgent investment in India’s shipping and logistics ecosystem to reduce dependency and retain capital within the country.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Expanding the Vision
PM Modi reiterated that India must become self-reliant in every domain—from manufacturing to maritime logistics. “From Jeep to Ship building, India has to do everything on its own,” he declared, emphasizing that dependence on foreign nations is India’s biggest enemy.
The Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, launched in 2020, has already made strides in electronics, defence manufacturing, and renewable energy. Now, the focus is shifting toward shipping, logistics, and global trade infrastructure.
| Sector | Current Status | Aatmanirbhar Goals | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Manufacturing | 75% domestic procurement | 100% indigenous production | R&D, private sector support |
| Electronics & Semiconductors | Growing local assembly | Chip fabrication in India | Capital, technology transfer |
| Shipping & Logistics | 80% foreign dependency | Build national fleet | Ports, shipyards, training |
| Renewable Energy | Solar panel production rising | Energy independence by 2030 | Storage, grid integration |
PM Modi’s pitch aims to align these sectors with the broader goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
Economic Drain and Missed Opportunities
The Prime Minister criticized previous governments for failing to invest in India’s shipping industry. “Had this amount been invested in building India’s own shipping industry, then today, it would have earned us billions apart from saving our own money,” he said.
India’s trade volume has grown exponentially, but the lack of a robust domestic shipping fleet means that foreign companies continue to dominate freight movement. This not only results in financial outflow but also limits India’s strategic control over its supply chains.
| Trade Metric | Value (2024-25) | Foreign Dependency | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Export Volume | $450 billion | 70% shipped via foreign lines | $50–60 billion annually |
| Import Volume | $610 billion | 80% foreign shipping | $40–50 billion annually |
| Shipping Fleet (India) | <1% of global fleet | Insufficient tonnage | High charter costs |
The government is now exploring public-private partnerships to build shipyards, train maritime professionals, and incentivize domestic shipping companies.
Strategic Implications of Self-Reliance
PM Modi’s remarks carry strategic weight, especially in the context of global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. By building its own shipping infrastructure, India can:
- Ensure uninterrupted trade during global crises
- Reduce exposure to foreign sanctions or embargoes
- Create jobs in shipbuilding, logistics, and maritime services
- Strengthen coastal and inland waterway connectivity
| Strategic Benefit | Description | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Sovereignty | Retain capital within national economy | Boost GDP and forex reserves |
| National Security | Control over trade routes and logistics | Enhanced strategic autonomy |
| Employment Generation | Jobs in ports, shipyards, training institutes | Reduce unemployment |
| Infrastructure Development | Modern ports, inland waterways, logistics hubs | Regional growth and mobility |
These benefits align with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” a roadmap to transform India into a developed nation.
Industry Response and Policy Outlook
Industry leaders have welcomed PM Modi’s call for maritime self-reliance. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) have urged the government to announce a dedicated maritime development fund and fast-track approvals for shipbuilding projects.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is expected to unveil a new policy framework that includes:
- Tax incentives for shipbuilders
- Subsidies for domestic cargo movement
- Skill development programs for seafarers
- Expansion of Sagarmala and Bharatmala projects
| Policy Initiative | Expected Launch Date | Target Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Maritime Development Fund | Q4 FY 2025 | ₹50,000 crore corpus |
| Shipbuilding Subsidy Scheme | Q1 FY 2026 | 30% cost reduction |
| Seafarer Training Program | Q2 FY 2026 | 1 lakh skilled professionals |
| Coastal Connectivity Boost | Ongoing | 20 new ports by 2030 |
These measures are expected to catalyze growth in India’s maritime sector and reduce reliance on foreign logistics providers.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Buzz
PM Modi’s speech has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with hashtags like #AatmanirbharShipping, #ModiInGujarat, and #DevelopedIndia2047 trending across platforms. Citizens and industry experts alike are sharing insights, data, and suggestions to accelerate India’s shipping independence.
| Platform | Trending Hashtags | Sentiment Summary |
|---|---|---|
| #AatmanirbharShipping | Positive, patriotic | |
| #MaritimeIndia | Industry-focused discussions | |
| #ModiInGujarat | Youth engagement and memes | |
| YouTube | #DevelopedIndia2047 | Explainer videos and reactions |
The momentum reflects growing public awareness and support for self-reliance in strategic sectors.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s revelation that India pays an amount nearly equal to its defence budget for foreign shipping services has spotlighted a critical gap in the nation’s economic strategy. His renewed pitch for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, especially in the maritime domain, is a clarion call for policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens to invest in India’s future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available statements and budgetary data. It does not represent any official endorsement or political position. Readers are advised to consult government releases and verified sources for detailed updates.
