In line with the National Logistics Policy, an Inter-Ministerial Services Improvement Group (SIG) was constituted by Logistics Division, M/o Commerce & Industry to facilitate the speedy resolution of logistics services and processes-related issues of the industry in a coordinated manner. Regular roundtables with industry players and SIG meetings are held. Till date, seven meetings have been held.

For the next SIG meeting, it was decided to focus on issues related to recent developments in the Red Sea and its implications for Shipping Lines operating in India. Accordingly, the 8th SIG meeting was held in Mumbai today under the chairpersonship of Special Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, Ms. Sumita Dawra with key representatives of Major Shipping lines operating in India. The objective being to interact with the Shipping Lines on the current situation in the Red Sea and its possible implications for the country, including EXIM trade.

As it is known, global logistics related issues emanating from the situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have affected the movement of maritime cargo, including movement of dry-bulk, oil and merchandise cargo that depends on the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. In the context of India, a significant amount of EXIM that goes to Europe and the West transits through the Red Sea route.  Indian exports using the route to the Western side include commodities such as Agro-products, Steel, Engineering goods, Automobiles, Textiles, Chemicals, etc.

The meetings today saw participation from key members from shipping associations such as Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) (including Five Stars Shipping Co, Great Eastern Shipping Co, etc), and Container Shipping Line Association (CSLA) (including MSC, Maersk, CMA-CGM, Hapag Lloyd, etc). Chairman(I/C) JNPA Sh Unmesh Wagh, and representative of MoPSW Sh Venkatesapathy, besides other officers also participated.

Important issues related to the ongoing developments in the Red Sea region were highlighted by the Associations and their members pertaining to safety of Ship, Crew and Cargo. Besides the implications for timely deliveries and cost aspect of cargo movement were discussed. In this context, various initiatives taken up by Govt of India regarding safety of Vessel-Crew-Cargo such as activated control room, standardised reporting format, SoP for safety regulations, etc were highlighted. Shipping line associations shared their experiences on ongoing development at the global key maritime passage and its impact on India’s trade and logistics sector. They appreciated the efforts being made by GoI and the Indian Navy in safeguarding the vessels passing through the affected route.

Recognising the importance of freight movement to make Indian goods globally competitive, other general logistics related issues pertaining to Shipping sector, pertaining to additional infrastructural development at Ports, digitization of documents, and matters related to EoDB were also discussed in the meetings.

 

Meeting with Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) members

Meeting with Container Shipping Line Association (CSLA) members

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SC/PK

 

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