Dubai: DP World has pledged to invest an additional $5 billion in India to strengthen its integrated supply chain network, which supports both exports and domestic trade. This is in addition to the $3 billion that DP World has already invested in India over the past three decades.
According to Emirates News Agency, these investments are focused on strengthening India's infrastructure backbone, advancing multimodal connectivity, and enhancing the nation's competitiveness in global trade. Announced at India Maritime Week 2025, this development follows the signing of five Memorandums of Association (MoUs) in the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The MoUs aim to forge industry partnerships expected to unlock significant opportunities for business and employment across India's maritime ecosystem.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, highlighted the company's longstanding involvement in India's growth story. He stated that the new investment, combined with strategic partnerships, reaffirms DP World's commitment to advancing India's maritime and logistics industry and cementing the nation's position in global trade. The initiatives are aimed at lowering logistics costs, supporting local manufacturing, and expanding market access across the country, thereby strengthening India's innovative and sustainable maritime capabilities.
Bin Sulayem added that DP World aligns with India's national priorities such as PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This shared commitment is helping India chart a bold course toward global maritime leadership.
The MoUs signed by DP World at the India Maritime Week focus on green coastal shipping, shipbuilding, ship repair, skill development, and advanced freight mobility, all intended to accelerate sustainable growth and efficiency in the sector. Key agreements include:
1. An MoU between Unifeeder, a DP World company, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited to promote green coastal and short-sea shipping across India, focusing on developing sustainable coastal shipping services.
2. A Heads of Terms agreement between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World to expand and operate the International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi, enhancing India's maritime capabilities.
3. A tripartite MoU among Cochin Shipyard Limited, Drydocks World, and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding to advance skill development in shipbuilding and repair, aiming to position India as a global hub for shipbuilding expertise.
4. A collaboration between Cochin Port Authority and DP World to enhance maritime infrastructure in Kerala, upgrading handling facilities at DP World's International Container Transshipment Terminal at Kochi.
5. An agreement involving Deendayal Port Authority, DP World, and Nevomo (MagRail) to design and install a 750-metre MagRail Booster pilot track within the port, setting the stage for low-emission port operations in India.
DP World's network in India covers over 200 locations, creating more than 24,000 direct and indirect jobs. The investment and partnerships announced at India Maritime Week 2025 will expand the company's footprint and reinforce the role of trade in creating jobs, accelerating development, and improving access to goods worldwide.