Russia’s Delo Group Eyes Maritime Push in India

By Admin

04 Dec, 2025

India’s maritime sector is witnessing renewed global attention, and the latest interest comes from Russia’s state-affiliated Delo Group. The company is exploring significant investments in India’s port and inland waterway ecosystem, marking a new phase of Indo-Russian collaboration in maritime development. According to people familiar with the discussions, Delo Group is evaluating multiple projects across ports, vessel manufacturing, and cargo movement. A formal pact is likely to be announced after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit later this week.

Growing interest in port development

One of Delo Group’s major focus areas is the development of terminals at strategic ports, including Mormugao Port in Goa. Mormugao, which has not handled container cargo for several years, is being considered for the launch of a regular sea container service between Novorossiysk and the Goan port. If finalised, this route could revive container operations and create fresh trade opportunities between India and Russia.

Strengthening India’s inland waterway network

The company is also assessing opportunities to support India’s fast-expanding inland water transport sector. Plans under discussion include manufacturing barges, catamarans, small vessels and container flatcars. These assets would enhance India's push to develop 76 operational waterways by 2027, and increase cargo movement to more than 200 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

High-level collaborations underway

To accelerate the partnership, an Indian delegation is preparing to travel to Moscow to finalize agreements in key segments such as shipbuilding, ship repair, ship breaking, and port infrastructure development. Delo Group’s officials had already visited India last month, indicating that both countries are moving quickly to transform maritime cooperation into concrete projects. The company’s interest is part of Russia’s broader plan to expand its maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s big shipbuilding ambitions

New Delhi has been actively courting global shipbuilders and maritime investors. At present, India accounts for only 1 percent of the global shipbuilding market. However, under Maritime India Vision 2030, the country aims to capture 5 percent of the market by the end of the decade and become one of the top five shipbuilding nations globally by 2047. Experts believe Russia’s technical capabilities in vessel construction and marine engineering could significantly support India’s long-term goals.

A strategic partnership in the making

As geopolitical and economic ties deepen between New Delhi and Moscow, the maritime sector is emerging as a promising area for collaboration. Delo Group’s potential entry into India could boost port modernization, strengthen coastal and inland shipping, and diversify India’s global maritime partnerships. Formal agreements expected after the Putin-Modi meeting will likely provide greater clarity on the scope and scale of cooperation.