The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W) on December 19, 2025, issued the Draft Coastal Shipping (Licensing of Foreign Vessels) Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated: -
•Rule 2 lays down various definitions of the terms like coasting trade and Exim Trade.
•Rule 3 specifies the Licence for coasting trade.
•Rule 4 specifies the Licence for Exim trade and worldwide trade.
•The rules apply to foreign-flag vessels engaged in coastal trade or chartered by Indian entities or persons, operating to or from Indian ports or between foreign ports.
Objections or suggestions may be submitted within 30 days from December 23, 2025.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: G.S.R. 911(E)]
