India’s Largest Port Project to Raise ₹30,000 Crore for Mega Vadhvan Port

In a major push to transform India’s maritime infrastructure, Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. — a future global shipping hub — is planning to raise ₹30,000 crore (US$3.46 billion) in debt financing. This ambitious funding strategy will offer lenders a stake in one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The project, led by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), is designed to position India as a leading global logistics and container transshipment hub. The JNPA holds a 74% stake, while the Maharashtra Maritime Board retains 26% ownership.
“We are targeting a combination of onshore and offshore lenders with tenures between 15–20 years,” said Mr. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, JNPA.

Key Highlights:

Why Vadhvan Port Matters:

The Vadhvan Port is set to reshape the maritime map of India, enabling it to compete with global transshipment giants like Singapore and Colombo. With robust backing from both public and private sectors, the port is not just an infrastructure project—it’s a strategic leap toward becoming a global logistics powerhouse.

India’s April–May 2025 Export Surge Led by Services, Electronics & Pharma: Trade Deficit Widens Slightly

India’s export economy continues to show resilience in the face of global uncertainty. The combined exports of merchandise and services for April–May 2025 stood at ₹12.23 lakh crore (US$ 142.43 billion) — marking a 5.75% growth over the same period last year, according to fresh data released by the Ministry of Commerce.

The growth was fueled primarily by strong service sector performance and an impressive rise in exports of electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, and marine products. However, rising imports caused a slight widening in the trade deficit.

India’s Export-Import Snapshot: April–May 2025

₹12,23,900 crore (US$ 142.43 billion)
Up 5.75% YoY

₹6,63,293 crore (US$ 77.19 billion) Up 3.07%

₹5,60,607 crore (US$ 65.24 billion)
Up 9.11% — continues to outperform goods

₹13,71,185 crore (US$ 159.57 billion) Up 6.52% YoY
₹1,47,284 crore (US$ 17.14 billion) Widened from ₹1,29,926 crore (April–May 2024)

May 2025 Monthly Highlights

₹3,32,806 crore (US$ 38.73 billion) Slight dip due to softening demand in metals and textiles
₹2,78,327 crore (US$ 32.39 billion) Up from ₹2,54,438 crore in May 2024

Fastest-Growing Export Categories

54.10% YoY — driven by global demand and domestic manufacturing push (PLI schemes)
26.79% — strong performance in frozen shrimp and aquaculture
7.38% — consistent exports to the US, EU, and Latin America
₹5,52,100 crore (US$ 64.25 billion) 7.53%

Top Export Destinations: Strong Growth

21.78% — led by IT services, electronics, and generics
50.76% — strong demand in industrial goods and tech
18.75% — notable recovery in trade flow

Import Highlights

Key Trends & Takeaways for Logistics Stakeholders

Final Word

India’s strong start to FY 2025–26 sends a positive signal, but widening trade deficits and global uncertainties underline the need for strategic logistics and sourcing decisions. Stakeholders in freight forwarding, warehousing, and cross-border trade must keep a close eye on changing trade lanes and government policy shifts.

India Rises to 3rd Spot in Global Shipbuilding for European Short Sea Trade!

In a proud moment for the Indian maritime sector, India has officially secured the 3rd rank in building general dry cargo vessels for the European short sea trade market, according to private data shared by Union Minister of Ports & Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal.

He credited this leap to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047”, which is pushing India towards global shipbuilding leadership.

Key Highlights: India’s Maritime Surge

Progress So Far Under Maritime India Vision 2030:

Why This Matters:

The Road Ahead: Maritime India Vision 2030 Themes

Indian Railways Sets Global Records — Powering Towards Viksit Bharat 2047

In line with the grand vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Indian Railways is fast-tracking its transformation journey — not just to modernize the nation’s rail network, but to position India as a global railway manufacturing and freight superpower.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the latest developments that are reshaping India’s railway and logistics landscape:

Key Highlights:

World’s Largest Locomotive Manufacturer

2nd Largest Railway Cargo Carrier Globally

Massive Coach Modernization Drive

Global Export Ambitions

Why This Matters for Logistics & Freight Forwarding:

Stay tuned as India’s logistics backbone grows stronger, reshaping trade and freight dynamics, both at home and globally.

Odisha Sets New Export Milestone: Over 41 Tonnes of Fruits & Vegetables Reach Global Markets

India’s gem and jewellery sector is set for a major boost as the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nears finalization. The deal aims to scrap 99% of tariffs on Indian goods, unlocking new growth potential in one of India’s key export markets.

What’s especially impressive? Of this total, 30.53 tonnes were mangoes, with premium varieties like Amrapalli and Dussehri delighting consumers abroad.

Noteworthy firsts this season:

And the impact on local farmers? Game-changing. This export boom has driven a 60%+ increase in price realisation, delivering better returns straight to the farming community.
The surge aligns perfectly with the Odisha Government’s strategic vision of transforming the state into a leading agri-export hub, as outlined in recent policy reports.

Key Highlights

India Posts $28 Billion Trade Surplus with G7 — Smartphones & Pharma Lead the Charge

India’s export engine is running full steam ahead — especially with the world’s most developed economies. A new analysis from Rubix Data Sciences reveals that India has achieved a $28 billion trade surplus with G7 nations in FY25, driven largely by booming exports of smartphones and pharmaceutical products. Trade with the G7 — comprising the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and Japan — has grown at a robust 13% CAGR since FY21, reflecting the rising competitiveness and global trust in Indian manufacturing and supply capabilities.

Trade with the G7 — comprising the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and Japan — has grown at a robust 13% CAGR since FY21, reflecting the rising competitiveness and global trust in Indian manufacturing and supply capabilities.

Key Highlights from the Report:

“This trade surplus showcases the growing global confidence in Indian industries, particularly MSMEs,” said Mohan Ramaswamy, co-founder & CEO of Rubix Data Sciences. “Our exports — from smartphones to life-saving drugs — are now benchmarks of quality and reliability in mature global markets.”

Why This Matters for Logistics & Supply Chain Professionals:

India Posts $28 Billion Trade Surplus with G7, Powered by Smartphones & Pharma Exports

India’s merchandise trade with G7 nations has hit a major milestone, recording a $28 billion trade surplus in FY25, according to a new analysis by Rubix Data Sciences.This performance reflects a strong 13% CAGR in trade with the G7 bloc since FY21.

The growth is driven primarily by surging exports of smartphones and pharmaceutical products, reinforcing India’s rising role as a trusted global supplier to some of the world’s most advanced economies.

Key Highlights:

Expert Insight:

“India’s trade surplus with the G7 reflects the rising global confidence in Indian manufacturing and MSMEs,” said Mohan Ramaswamy, Co-founder & CEO of Rubix Data Sciences. “From cutting-edge smartphones to life-saving drugs, Indian exports are gaining significant traction in mature markets.”

Why It Matters for Logistics & Trade Professionals:

India Bags ₹3,000 Cr Locomotive Export Deal with Guinea — Boosts ‘Make in India’ & Africa Ties

In a significant leap for India’s railway export ambitions, the Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory in Bihar will manufacture and ship 150 high-powered locomotives to Guinea as part of a ₹3,000 crore (US$ 345.9 million) deal. These state-of-the-art Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives will support Guinea’s ambitious Simandou iron ore project — one of Africa’s largest mining developments.
This deal, secured through global competitive bidding, marks a strategic win under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, strengthening India’s footprint in global rail infrastructure and deepening India-Africa trade ties.

Key Highlights:

Global & Economic Impact:

This milestone project positions India as a competitive global supplier of heavy-haul rail solutions and reinforces its commitment to high-value manufacturing exports.

India Moves to 15th Spot in Global FDI Rankings

New Delhi – India has moved up one spot to become the 15th largest destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) globally in 2024, according to the World Investment Report 2025 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This jump comes despite a modest 1.9% dip in inflows, which stood at $27.6 billion compared to $28.1 billion in 2023.
“India remained the dominant FDI destination in South Asia, accounting for the vast majority of inflows in the subregion,” the report noted.
While global FDI slipped 11% to $1.5 trillion in 2024, India’s consistent performance signals enduring investor confidence—especially in manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

India ranks 15th globally in FDI inflows (2024), up from 16th in 2023 FDI inflow: $27.6 billion, down 1.9% YoY
India continues to dominate South Asia’s FDI landscape, with the region receiving $24.1 billion overall
India ranked 4th globally in greenfield project announcements in 2024, with 1,080 projects Also among top 5 countries securing international project finance (97 deals)
India attracted the most greenfield digital economy investments in the Global South (2020–2024), totaling $54 billion
This sector is growing 10–12% annually—outpacing global GDP growth
India climbed to 18th in FDI outflows, with $23.8 billion in overseas investments
Four of the 10 largest global megaprojects were in semiconductors—including one in India
Basic metals and electronics projects boosted India’s manufacturing rise

Global Context:

Editor’s Note:

India’s rise in the UNCTAD rankings—paired with a booming digital and greenfield investment footprint—signals a clear trend: India is increasingly being seen as a resilient and attractive destination for strategic long-term capital, especially in logistics, tech, and core manufacturing.
With government initiatives like ‘Make in India’, the PLI schemes, and Gati Shakti infrastructure push, the country is not just attracting funds—it’s cementing itself as a global manufacturing and logistics powerhouse for the future.

MOL Deepens India Play with Real Estate, Clean-Tech, and More Ships

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the world’s second-largest shipping company by fleet size, is doubling down on India.

The 141-year-old Japanese shipping giant sees India as a key maritime growth hub and is rapidly expanding its presence with a three-pronged strategy focusing on regional empowerment, diversification, and decarbonisation.
In a bold move, MOL has empowered its India-based leadership under Captain Anand Jayaraman to drive strategic growth across the South Asia and Middle East region, while aggressively investing in long-term sustainability and business stability.

Key Developments:

“India is a very important market for us. It’s a big maritime nation — and we want to be a bigger part of that journey,” said Captain Jayaraman.

Why It Matters:

MOL’s India push signals growing global confidence in the country’s maritime potential — not just as a shipping corridor, but as a logistics, innovation, and sustainability hub.
As India builds out new ports and expands its green energy ambitions, expect global carriers like MOL to anchor deeper and stronger into this emerging powerhouse.
cargonet-logo-icon
Cargonet Cargo Software Logo

Feedback & Reward program

Submit the Feedback and avail the Rewards.

1. Your satisfaction & reliability on CargoNet ?

2. Your Rating on Support & co-ordination team?

3. Satisfaction on the look and feel of CargoNet ?

4. Please specify any 2 best features that you feel more helpful in CargoNet?

5. Please specify any 2 best reports that you are taking on regular basis?

6. Are you using Copy Job option in CargoNet Software?

7. Are you using Automatic DSR (Daily Status Report) Option? It automatically sends reports to customer about the shipment status

8. Are you using Automatic Outstanding Reports option? Period Auto outstanding reminders to customer

9. Any other thoughts to improve in CargoNet? Please share.

* Join our Reward Program by recommending CargoNet (Cash Rewards Awaiting)

“Thanks for your feedback. Our goal is to create the best possible product, support & service, and your thoughts, ideas & suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.”

Tired of High AI Costs?

Let's Optimize It​

Stop overspending on AI. Get smart strategies to reduce token costs by up to 60% for faster, more efficient freight operations. We’ll show you how.

Share your information for instant access

Get a Demo Now

Get a Demo Now