DP World has announced plans to invest an additional US$5 billion in India to further strengthen its integrated supply chain network, which supports both exports and domestic trade. This commitment comes on top of the $3 billion the company has already invested in India over the past three decades. The expanded investment aims to bolster India’s infrastructure backbone, advance multimodal connectivity, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
The announcement was made during India Maritime Week 2025, following the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the august presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). These MoUs mark a significant step in fostering industry partnerships designed to unlock business opportunities, drive job creation, and accelerate growth across India’s maritime ecosystem.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said,
“DP World has been a part of India’s growth story for nearly three decades. This new investment combined with the strategic partnerships, reaffirm our commitment to advancing India’s maritime and logistics industry and cementing the nation’s position in global trade. Aimed at further lowering logistics costs, supporting local manufacturing, and expanding access to markets across the country, these initiatives will strengthen India’s innovative and sustainable maritime capabilities.”
He further added,
“We are fully aligned with India’s national priorities like PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Our shared commitment to building a connected, confident, and self-reliant India is helping the country chart out a bold course toward global maritime leadership.”
The MoUs signed at India Maritime Week 2025 encompass a wide spectrum of focus areas including green coastal shipping, shipbuilding, ship repair, skill development, and advanced freight mobility, collectively aimed at accelerating sustainable growth and enhancing operational efficiency in India’s maritime sector.
The key MoUs include:
Unifeeder, a DP World company, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd exchanged an MoU to advance green coastal and short-sea shipping across India. The collaboration seeks to develop commercially sustainable coastal shipping services, fostering a cleaner and more efficient logistics ecosystem.
An agreement of Heads of Terms between Cochin Shipyard Ltd and Drydocks World to expand and operate the International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi, reinforcing India’s role as an emerging hub for global maritime services.
A tripartite MoU between Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Drydocks World – a DP World company, and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) to jointly advance skill development in shipbuilding and repair, strengthening India’s talent pool and positioning the country as a global hub for maritime expertise.
An agreement between Cochin Port Authority and DP World to enhance maritime infrastructure in Kerala by upgrading handling facilities at DP World’s International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) in Kochi, aimed at improving operational efficiency and boosting regional trade capacity.
A collaboration between Deendayal Port Authority, DP World, and Nevomo (MagRail) to design and install a 750-metre MagRail Booster pilot track within Deendayal Port — marking a transformative step towards automated, low-emission port operations in India.
DP World’s network in India spans over 200 locations, generating more than 24,000 direct and indirect jobs. With this new phase of investment and strategic partnerships, the company aims to expand its footprint and strengthen the role of trade as a driver of economic progress — creating employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and improving access to goods for millions of people worldwide.