As per the notification issued by the Ministry of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways on 7 July 2026, this exemption has been
granted under Section 37 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025. Under this,
foreign vessels taken on charter by any entity established in the IFSC of GIFT
City will not be required to obtain a licence under Section 11 of the Act.
This decision of
the government is expected to boost maritime finance, ship leasing and related
international businesses operating in GIFT City. Also, simplifying the
chartering process for foreign vessels will help India’s IFSCs become more
competitive in the global maritime financial services
sector.