Mumbai: The 9th Edition of India Maritime Awards 2025, set for Friday, 20th June at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, promises to be more than just an awards night — it’s a high-impact convergence of global diplomacy, insight, and industry innovation. This year features an exclusive VVIP Networking & Knowledge Session with Global Ambassadors and Indian VIPs, fostering strategic dialogue under the theme: “Global Synergy: Where Trade Meets Transformation.”
Organised by Daily Shipping Times, proudly serving the trade for 65 years, the session offers rare opportunities to engage with global minds and shape the future of maritime and logistics.

ESTEEMED CHIEF GUEST

Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman JNPA and CMD, VPPL, brings visionary leadership to India’s maritime sector. Under his stewardship, JNPA has crossed 10 million TEUs and is driving the Vadhvan Port project — set to be Asia’s largest deep-draft green port. With 20+ years of experience in customs, finance, and infrastructure, he offers deep insights into India’s trade landscape.

EMINENT GUEST OF HONOUR 

Shri Haji Arfat Shaikh, BJP Leader, President of the BJP Transport Cell and All India Suffi Board, will grace the event. A national voice in trade facilitation and minority affairs, his presence brings significant policy relevance.

A CONSTELLATION OF GLOBAL DIPLOMATS

In line with the global focus on this year’s edition, the VVIP Knowledge Session will welcome an elite line up of International Ambassadors:

• H.E. Mr. Isse Abdillahi Assoweh, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Djibouti to India, will offer insights on infrastructure-led trade and digital logistics transformation.
• H.E. Mr. Fesseha Shawel Gebre, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to India, will speak on Ethiopia’s maritime infrastructure and its role in the Indo-African trade axis.
• H.E. Mr. Mustapha Jawara, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to India, will highlight digital logistics and regional collaboration with India.
• H.E. Mr. Alonso Correa Miguel, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to India, will share insights on strengthening Indo-Panama maritime cooperation and advancing trade-led innovation.  
• H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, will address maritime security and India–Somalia cooperation along the Red Sea.

VISIONARY MODERATOR BRIDGING CONTINENTS

The VVIP Knowledge Session will be moderated by Mr. Vishal P. Mehta, Honorary Consul of Djibouti in India and CEO Pankaj Transport, Rushabh Sealink and Logistic Pvt. Ltd. A leader with unmatched credentials, Mr. Mehta’s stewardship promises a dynamic and inclusive dialogue, linking diplomatic insight with actionable strategies for trade enhancement and regional logistics development.

A PLATFORM OF PURPOSE

This year’s edition features an exclusive VVIP Knowledge & Networking Session, uniting Global Ambassadors and Industry Leaders in a powerful exchange of insights and strategy — shaping the future of maritime trade and connectivity.

Join us on Friday, 20th June 2025, at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, for a landmark gathering where legacy meets transformation, and where DST’s enduring vision once again creates a meaningful platform for global maritime alliance.