“India Sets Course for Atmanirbhar Shipping; Plans 62 Vessels in FY 2026–27 with ₹51,383 Crore Investment:” Sarbananda Sonowal

• India announced a ₹51,383 crore plan to induct 62 new vessels in FY 2026–27, adding 2.85 million GT capacity, to reduce dependence on foreign-flagged tonnage.
• Branded under the Atmanirbhar Shipping push, the decision was taken at an inter-ministerial review triggered by the Strait of Hormuz situation, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways).
• Critical for UPSC: links energy security, maritime logistics, shipbuilding policy (SBFAP/SBFAS), the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and the Maritime Development Fund.