India has officially become the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, contributing over 311,936 maritime professionals and accounting for 12.16 per cent of the global workforce, according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. This marks a decisive leap from fifth position in 2015 to second place today, behind only the Philippines.

India’s rise in the global maritime labour market is one of the most remarkable transformations in its shipping history. In 2015, India supplied just 5.2 per cent of the world’s seafarers, ranking behind China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Russia.

By 2021, the share had grown modestly to 6 per cent, but the country remained in fifth place. The 2026 report records a breakthrough, with India’s share more than doubling over the past decade to 12.16 per cent.

The strength of India’s contribution is particularly visible in the officer cadre. The country now supplies 1,40,718 officers, representing 13.41 per cent of the global officer workforce, alongside 1,71,218 ratings, which account for 11.29 per cent of global ratings serving aboard merchant vessels. Together, Indian seafarers form one of the largest and most skilled maritime workforces supporting international trade.

Globally, the supply of seafarers is estimated at 2.57 million, while demand stands at 2.55 million, reflecting a tight labour market. The report highlights a continuing shortage of qualified officers worldwide, positioning India as a critical partner in meeting future manpower requirements for the shipping industry.

India’s emergence as a maritime manpower hub reflects sustained reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past twelve years. The Government has expanded maritime education and skilling, modernised training infrastructure, increased the capacity of training institutes, digitised certification and regulatory services through the Directorate General of Shipping, and strengthened compliance with international STCW standards. These measures have significantly enhanced the employability and global competitiveness of Indian seafarers.

Since 2021, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has accelerated reforms through landmark legislation, including the Inland Vessels Act 2021, Merchant Shipping Act 2025, Indian Ports Act 2025, Coastal Shipping Act 2025, Bills of Lading Act 2025, and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 2025. Collectively, these laws modernised maritime governance, strengthened seafarer welfare, aligned India’s shipping laws with international conventions, and simplified regulatory processes.

Welcoming the report, Sonowal described India’s rise from fifth place in 2015 to second place in 2026 as a story of vision and transformative leadership. He credited Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to reshaping India’s maritime ecosystem, from investing in world-class education and training infrastructure to digitising services and reforming laws. He emphasised that this achievement reflects New India’s growing global credibility and the confidence international shipping companies place in Indian talent.

Looking ahead, the Government is pursuing Mission 20 per cent, an ambitious vision to increase India’s share of the global seafaring workforce from 12.16 per cent to 20 per cent. This involves expanding training capacity, strengthening shipboard training opportunities, fostering industry-academia partnerships, leveraging digital technologies, and creating greater opportunities for young Indians, especially women, to pursue careers at sea.

The goal is to ensure that one in every five seafarers worldwide is Indian, recognised for professionalism and excellence.

India’s expanding maritime education ecosystem, internationally recognised training standards, and progressive policy framework place the country in a strong position to meet future global demand. This aligns with the long-term objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to consolidate India’s role as a leading maritime nation.

ANI