Rules and regulation review stalls implementation of India's maritime laws

Union Minister Sonowal says drafting of maritime rules is ongoing via industry consultations.

The review and drafting of rules and regulations under the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, and Indian Ports Act, 2025 are ongoing, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The ministry provided this information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, on 13 February 2026. The statement was made by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The laws are being translated into actionable rules through consultations with relevant stakeholders, including industry participants and technical experts.

Capacity-building and institutional preparedness measures are being put in place to support the implementation of the new laws.

The written reply did not specify exact timelines for issuing all subordinate regulations but confirmed that the consultative process is ongoing and that relevant ministries and departments are involved.

These changes are part of the Government of India’s effort to update the maritime legal framework for coastal shipping, merchant shipping, and port governance.