India is set to establish its own container shipping company, Bharat Container Line, aiming to operate a fleet of approximately 100 ships, including chartered vessels. This initiative seeks to enhance India's presence in global trade and reduce reliance on foreign carriers. Currently, the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) operates only four container ships. The government is also investing heavily in port and shipyard development to support this maritime expansion. In line with this, the Indian government has announced the creation of a ₹250 billion ($3 billion) Maritime Development Fund to provide long-term financing for the shipbuilding and repair industry. The government will contribute 49% of the fund, with the remainder sourced from ports and the private sector. This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India to achieve developed nation status by 2047. Additionally, to bolster the Indian presence in container shipping, the government plans to utilize Vessel Sharing Agreements (VSAs). These agreements will be exempt from antitrust laws for three years, provided that at least 5% of the total space is allocated to Indian-flagged vessels and another 5% to Indian non-vessel operating common carriers. This strategy aims to promote fair competition and ensure better representation of Indian shipping lines in global trade. These combined efforts underscore India's commitment to strengthening its maritime infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign shipping entities.