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Officials discussed a five-point roadmap to add 100 vessels to India's merchant fleet over the next five years.
India currently pays close to $75 billion a year in freight charges to foreign shipping lines.
Panelists said Indian-flagged ships remain 16% to 20% costlier to operate than foreign vessels.
The event focused on domestic shipping challenges, including tax burdens and higher capital costs.
Why it mattersExpanding the national merchant fleet cuts massive foreign freight expenses and boosts economic self-reliance.
More context
The discussion also tied the plan to Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.