The National Shipping Board (NSB) has laid out a comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap focused on adding 100 new vessels to India’s domestic merchant fleet, marking a transformative step for the nation’s maritime sector. This initiative directly addresses India’s long-standing reliance on foreign-flagged vessels for international trade, which currently accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s outgoing freight costs. By expanding the national fleet, India aims to retain significant freight revenue within the domestic economy, secure greater control over critical supply chains, and seamlessly handle its rapidly scaling export-import trade volumes. Furthermore, this roadmap aligns with the country’s broader vision to modernize maritime infrastructure, enhance port connectivity, and establish a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive shipping ecosystem.