Question

Explain with examples of the importance of Indian ports as gateways of international trade.

Answer 1

India has a 7,516.6 km long coastline, with 185 minor and 12 major ports. These important ports handle 95% of India's international trade. The entrance to international trade is through waterways. The important ports in the nation are as follows:

1. Kandla Port: It was the first port to be developed immediately after independence. Its primary objective was to lessen the amount of trade passing through the Mumbai port, which had increased due to Pakistan gaining control of Karachi port following the Partition.
2. Mumbai port: The nation's largest port is there. Additionally, it meets the import and export needs of the Mumbai to Pune industrial belt.
3. Mar-magao port (Goa) is focused on the nation's export of iron ore. This port facilitates nearly 50% of the nation's iron ore exports.
4. Tuticorin Port (Tamil Nadu): Apart from the coastal regions of India, this port focuses on importing and exporting various commodities to our neighbouring nations, such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
5. New Mangalore port (Karnataka): It focuses on the nation's iron ore export. It makes it possible to export iron ore mined in Kudremukh. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Indian seaports are the entry points for global commerce.