The interaction
underscored the growing strategic partnership between India and Maersk, a
relationship that spans more than a century and continues to expand across
ports, logistics, workforce development, and maritime infrastructure.
During the meeting, Robert Uggla congratulated Prime
Minister Modi on the landmark India-European
Union Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a transformative
step for global trade architecture and a major boost for India’s emergence as a
leading export-oriented maritime economy. Maersk expressed confidence that the
agreement would create significant opportunities for Indian businesses to
integrate further into global supply chains and enhance their competitiveness
in international markets. Maersk
highlighted that both the company and its port-operating arm, APM Terminals, are
strategically positioned to support Indian industries in leveraging the
opportunities arising from the India-EU trade pact. The company reiterated its
commitment to strengthening India’s logistics ecosystem through investments in
ports, container terminals, and landside logistics infrastructure.
The discussions
also focused on India’s growing ambitions in shipbuilding and ship repair,
sectors identified as key pillars of the country’s long-term maritime growth
strategy. Maersk conveyed its intent to play an active role in supporting these
ambitions through continued collaboration and investment in the Indian maritime
sector.
India’s importance within Maersk’s global operations
was also prominently highlighted during the meeting. With nearly 20,000
employees in the country, India represents the largest workforce base for the
company worldwide. Maersk noted that it continues to invest heavily in skill
development and training initiatives aimed at building a future-ready maritime
and logistics workforce aligned with evolving global industry
requirements. The meeting further
reflected the increasing alignment between Maersk’s long-term business strategy
and the Government of India’s maritime development agenda under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Maersk
expressed optimism about deepening its strategic partnership with India and
contributing meaningfully to the nation’s aspirations of becoming a global
maritime and logistics hub.
The interaction in
Sweden is being viewed as another significant step in strengthening India’s
engagement with leading global maritime players, while reinforcing investor
confidence in the country’s rapidly evolving trade and logistics ecosystem.