MUMBAI: The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) welcomed a delegation from ASSOCHAM on Thursday, (14 May 2026) for a constructive interaction focused on strengthening India’s export-import ecosystem and enhancing collaboration between the maritime administration and industry stakeholders. The meeting was held under the leadership of Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, who engaged with industry representatives on key issues impacting the shipping and trade sector.
The interaction featured a courtesy call by Mr. Ravi Gupta, Chair, ASSOCHAM National Council on Exports and Trade,and included detailed discussions on important operational and commercial concerns such as ocean freight trends, fuel surcharges, terminal handling charges across shipping lines, and possible resolution mechanisms amid the evolving global trade environment.
Both sides also explored future avenues of collaboration and partnership between DG Shipping and ASSOCHAM to support trade facilitation, improve maritime efficiency, and strengthen industry engagement. The discussions reflected a shared commitment towards building a resilient and globally competitive maritime logistics ecosystem for India
The interaction underscored the shared commitment of both organisations towards improving trade facilitation, enhancing maritime efficiency, and ensuring a more resilient logistics framework for India’s growing international trade ambitions.
The discussions also explored future avenues of cooperation and partnership between DG Shipping and ASSOCHAM, with a focus on creating stronger industry engagement and addressing operational challenges faced by exporters and importers.
The ASSOCHAM delegation comprised prominent industry representatives, including
Mr. Ravi Gupta – Chair, ASSOCHAM National Council on Exports and Trade & Executive Director, Shree Renuka Sugar Mills, Mr. Milind Hardikar – Chair, ASSOCHAM Maharashtra State Council & Director Group Strategic Initiatives, Welspun World, Mr. Rahul Singh – General Manager, Welspun Group, Ms. Sumita Chakravarty – Regional Director, ASSOCHAM, Ms. Anita Naik – Joint Director, ASSOCHAM
Industry observers view the engagement as a significant step towards fostering stronger public-private collaboration in the maritime and logistics sector at a time when global supply chains continue to face volatility and cost pressures.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of continuous dialogue between the government and industry bodies to build a robust, efficient, and future-ready maritime trade ecosystem that supports India’s economic growth and export competitiveness.
