Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday urged the Centre to establish a permanent venue in Mumbai for India Maritime Week, stating it would significantly boost the maritime sector and position the state as a global maritime hub, news agency PTI reported.
Fadnavis reviewed the preparations for India Maritime Week 2025 in a high-level meeting attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane.
The event is scheduled to take place at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon from October 27 to 31, and is expected to be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to attend, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a release, according to PTI.
“Mumbai has immense potential for economic development, and Maharashtra has always played a key role in national growth. India Maritime Week 2025 will open up new opportunities in the sector,” Fadnavis said.
He added that Maharashtra offers a conducive environment for maritime investments, which will receive further momentum through the event.
“The state is writing a new chapter in maritime development. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has expanded its capacity, and the upcoming Vadhavan Port will create fresh growth avenues,” he said.
Union Minister Sonowal echoed the sentiment, calling Mumbai an ideal location for such global-scale events. He highlighted Maharashtra’s vast investment potential in the maritime sector, which could benefit associated industries.
Organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Indian Ports Association, the event will serve as a major platform for discussions on India`s maritime policy, innovation, sustainable development, international partnerships, and industrial growth, PTI reported.
More than 100 countries, 500 exhibitors, thousands of delegates, and an estimated 1 lakh attendees are expected. Ministerial representatives from seven partner nations will also take part.
Devendra Fadnavis: If we don`t keep transparency in public life, then we have to pay for it
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday emphasised on probity and transparent conduct in public life, warning that those who fail to do so will have to pay for it somewhere.
He was speaking about a court in Delhi framing charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, both former CMs, son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, and 11 others in the alleged IRCTC scam case.
Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said the court action clearly shows evidence exists against the accused.
“This case was going on in the court and when the court framed charges it means there is evidence. After a long struggle this case has reached at this stage and this clearly indicates that if we do not keep transparency in public life then we have to pay for it somewhere,” said Fadnavis.
Asked when will the financial assistance announced by the government for rain and flood-affected farmers will be disbursed, Fadnavis informed that the process has started.
It will take time for the aid to reach all farmers, the CM maintained.
To a query on possibility of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS going with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the local body polls, Fadnavis said who will go with whom is not yet clear.
(With PTI inputs)
