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By:

Capt. Naveen S. Singhal and Capt. M. M. Saggi

9 August 2025 at 1:39:34 pm

Vizhinjam’s Big Test

Kerala must ensure fair access at India’s emerging maritime gateway while avoiding the mistake of discouraging the very investment needed to make it a global hub. The proposed investment by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited represents a defining moment for Kerala’s maritime ambitions. The reported acquisition of a 49 percent stake by MSC, valued at around US$1.4 billion and placing the overall valuation of the port at nearly US$2.85 billion,...

Vizhinjam’s Big Test

Kerala must ensure fair access at India’s emerging maritime gateway while avoiding the mistake of discouraging the very investment needed to make it a global hub. The proposed investment by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited represents a defining moment for Kerala’s maritime ambitions. The reported acquisition of a 49 percent stake by MSC, valued at around US$1.4 billion and placing the overall valuation of the port at nearly US$2.85 billion, could transform Vizhinjam from an ambitious infrastructure project into a serious international transshipment hub. For India, this is a strategic opportunity to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment centres such as Colombo, Singapore and Jebel Ali, through which a substantial share of India’s container traffic currently moves. A successful Vizhinjam would mark a shift in India’s maritime geography, allowing the country to capture greater value from its own trade flows rather than outsourcing that advantage to competing regional hubs. Global Connectivity MSC’s proposed entry brings precisely the ingredient that many ports struggle to acquire: guaranteed global connectivity. The success of a modern port depends on whether major shipping lines trust it enough to make regular calls and integrate it into their global networks. As the world’s largest container shipping company, MSC brings enormous commercial strength to Vizhinjam. Its global vessel network, cargo aggregation capabilities and experience in operating terminals across multiple jurisdictions can accelerate the port’s journey towards becoming a major transshipment centre. Without regular vessel calls and cargo volumes, even the most advanced port can remain underutilised. For Adani Ports, the partnership offers equally significant advantages. A global shipping partner can reduce market risks, improve terminal utilisation and provide operational expertise. The Vizhinjam arrangement would become the third partnership between Adani and MSC after their collaborations at Mundra and Ennore. Such partnerships indicate a broader strategy of integrating Indian ports into international shipping ecosystems rather than treating them as isolated domestic infrastructure projects. The timing is particularly important. Disruptions in global maritime routes, including challenges affecting operations around the Gulf region, have highlighted the importance of diversified and strategically located transshipment facilities. Vizhinjam’s location on the international shipping route gives it a natural advantage that few Indian ports possess. However, the concerns raised by the Kerala Government cannot simply be dismissed. Vizhinjam is not a purely private venture. It is a public-private partnership involving the state government, and the concession agreement reportedly requires government approval for significant changes in ownership structure. More importantly, the agreement mandates that the port function as a common-user facility with non-discriminatory access. Maintaining Confidence This principle is essential for maintaining confidence among global shipping lines. Companies such as CMA CGM, Maersk, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd and Evergreen must have assurance that Vizhinjam will remain an open and neutral facility rather than becoming effectively controlled by a single shipping company’s interest. Yet neutrality does not necessarily mean preventing strategic partnerships. Across the world, successful ports often operate through collaborations between terminal operators, shipping companies and logistics firms. The critical question is not whether MSC has a stake in the port, but whether all users receive equal treatment. A professionally managed port should ensure that berth allocation, yard access, tariffs, feeder connectivity, operational scheduling and terminal services are based on transparent commercial principles rather than ownership relationships. If those safeguards are firmly established, MSC’s participation can strengthen Vizhinjam rather than weaken competition. Kerala has much to gain from the port’s success. A thriving Vizhinjam can create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while encouraging the growth of logistics parks, warehousing facilities, ship repair services, bunkering operations, customs-related businesses and marine industries. It can become a foundation for Kerala’s participation in India’s broader maritime ambitions and the emerging blue economy. The challenge is to create a regulatory framework that preserves neutrality while attracting the capital and expertise required to compete globally. Adani has built the physical foundation of a world-class Indian transshipment port. MSC can provide the international cargo network required to make that infrastructure commercially successful. Kerala’s task is to ensure that Vizhinjam remains open, efficient and trusted by all. For Vizhinjam to succeed, Kerala must safeguard neutrality, but not by blocking the very investment that can place it on the world maritime map. (Capt. Naveen Singhal is Marine Consultant and Member of the Singapore Shipping Association and Capt. MM Saggi is former Nautical Advisor, Government of India. Views personal.)

US Vice President JD Vance, his family arrive in Delhi

  • PTI
  • Apr 21, 2025
  • 2 min read


NEW DELHI: US Vice President J D Vance arrived here on Monday on a four-day visit to India against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between the two strategic partners to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri and their three children Ewan, Vivek, Mirabel and a delegation of senior US government officials.


The US Vice President and the Second Lady were received at the Palam air base by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.


The American leader was also accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival.

In the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances after holding wide-ranging talks with the US Vice President.


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian ambassador to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra are expected to be part of the Indian team to be led by PM Modi at the talks.


The focus of the meeting is likely to be on early finalisation of the proposed bilateral trade pact as well as ways to boost overall trajectory of ties between the two countries.


Besides Delhi, Vance and his family will travel to Jaipur and Agra.

Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India.


New Delhi and Washington are now holding negotiations to seal a bilateral trade agreement that is expected to address a variety of issues, including tariff and market access.


Vance and his family are scheduled to leave for Jaipur on Monday night.

In Delhi, the US Vice President and his family are staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton hotel.


On April 22, the Vances will visit a number of historical sites in Jaipur, including the Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort. The fort is a UNESCO world heritage site.


In the afternoon, the US Vice President is scheduled to address a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.


Vance is expected to delved into broader aspects of India-US relations under the Donald Trump administration during his speech that is expected to be attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, Indian government officials and academia.


The US Vice President and his family will travel to Agra on the morning of April 23, people familiar with the matter said.


In Agra, they will visit the Taj Mahal and Shilpgram which is an open air emporium showcasing various Indian artefacts, they said.


After concluding their visit to Agra, the Vances will return to Jaipur on the second half of April 23.


The US Vice President and his family will depart for the US from Jaipur on April 24, according to the people cited above.

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