By Hemang Palan

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In an exclusive interaction with Hemang Palan, Union cabinet Minister of Labour and Employment of India Mr Mansukh Mandaviya stated that young women workforce of India should be encouraged to work aboard cruise ships as cruise tourism in India is a rapidly expanding sector driven by increased demand, government initiatives like the Cruise Bharat Mission, and significant investment in infrastructure.

Cruise tourism industry in India has seen a five-fold increase in passengers over the last decade and is projected to double its sea cruise passenger numbers by 2029, while also boosting river cruise tourism, with a goal to reach 1.5 million river cruise tourists in the same timeframe. This growth is fuelled by government support, a growing middle class, and the development of both coastal and river cruise experiences.

“Cruise tourism offers enormous career opportunities to young girls of our country as it is extremely safe to work aboard cruise ships, and the voyages are also not very long,” said Dr Mandaviya. He also lauded the immense contribution of Indian women in the merchant navy sector across the globe.  

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya today delivered the keynote address at the GMIS – Maritime Human Capital Session at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The session, under the theme “Navigating the Future: Building a Modern Maritime Workforce”, was organised as part of the Global Maritime Innovation Summit (GMIS) track. The focus of the session lay on India’s strategy to develop a modern, skilled, and globally competitive maritime workforce aligned with the nation’s rapid growth in shipping, ports, and logistics.
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In his keynote address, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that India’s maritime strength lies not only in its ports and ships but in its people — the skilled professionals who will drive the sector’s future. He stated that the maritime industry must not only build ships but also “build futures for millions of young Indians seeking global careers. “The coming era belongs to India. We have our greatest strength: a young population, with 35% youth. Our demographic dividend will drive India to emerge as a global maritime leader,” he said.