Coastal Shipping Bill 2025 Sails Through Amid Protests

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, has been passed by the Indian Parliament amid opposition protests. It aims to streamline coastal shipping regulations, enhancing domestic participation and national security. The Bill supports the ease of doing business and ensures supply chain security through reduced compliance burdens for Indian ships.

The Indian Parliament has successfully passed The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, despite ongoing protests from opposition members. The Rajya Sabha cleared the legislation amidst calls for a discussion on revising Bihar's electoral rolls.

Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the Bill aligns with the ease of doing business initiative, lightening compliance requirements for Indian vessels and bolstering supply chain security for the nation.

The Bill aims to update coastal shipping regulations, fostering domestic investment and strengthening India's coastal fleet for national defense and commercial interests. It clarifies the definition of coastal waters, covering territorial waters extending up to 12 nautical miles and maritime zones reaching 200 nautical miles.

(With inputs from agencies.)