CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST 2025 - Flipbook - Page 52
Director – India, International
DR ENNARASU KARUNESAN | Regional
Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)
India is not only poised to become
the world’s third largest economy but
also a maritime powerhouse
As India charts its course toward becoming a US$10 trillion economy
and a global export powerhouse, the role of logistics, ports, and
maritime infrastructure has never been more vital. Boasting over
37 years of hands-on experience across India and Southeast Asia,
Regional Director– India at the International Association of
Ports and Harbors (IAPH), reflects on the country’s evolving
logistics landscape—from the transformative impact of publicprivate partnerships and digitalisation, to the strategic significance of
mega port projects like Vadhavan, Vizhinjam, and the Great Container
Terminal in Galathea Bay. In this wide-ranging interview with
UPAMANYU BORAH, the maritime transport, ports and logistics sector
leader outlines how logistics efficiency, export competitiveness,
and global best practices are converging to position India as a hub
economy. He also sheds light on India’s impressive rise in the LPI, the
potential of youth-led innovation, and how upcoming infrastructure
investments will shape the country’s economic future.
A
s the industry continues to evolve and adapt, particularly
in areas such as freight management and complementary
logistics infrastructure, how do you envision these
developments enhancing e昀케ciency and competitiveness?
How are industry players leveraging this momentum to improve
India’s economic development and global standing?
India is one of the world’s largest emerging economies and rapidly
progressing toward becoming the third largest economy globally.
In this context, the development of maritime infrastructure,
such as ports, inland waterwsays, and hinterland logistics zones,
serves as a critical enabler in supporting this transformation.
Looking ahead, India’s ambition of becoming a US$5 trillion
economy by 2027 and potentially a US$10 trillion economy by
2035 makes the role of logistics all the more vital. By that time,
we expect India’s export trade alone to surpass US$2 trillion.
Historically, India has been primarily a raw material export
market. However, we are now seeing a signi昀椀cant shift toward
becoming a major exporter of 昀椀nished goods. For this transition
to succeed, the logistics sector must provide the backbone that
enables export competitiveness. E昀케cient logistics are no longer
optional—they are fundamental.
With over 37 years of experience in the logistics industry,
including leading roles at the CEO level across India and Southeast
Asia, I can con昀椀dently say that logistics e昀케ciency hinges on two
key parameters: reducing time and reducing cost. These two
elements directly in昀氀uence the value addition of goods, making
them more competitive on the global stage.
52 | CARGOCONNECT AUGUST 2025
