UAE’s DP World Plans $5bn India Ports, Logistics Expansion

DP World plans to invest $5 billion in India. This major expansion will strengthen the Dubai-based global ports operator’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The company has already invested $3 billion in India in the last three decades, showing its long-term confidence in the Indian market.

The company’s investment supports a network of more than 200 sites and has created over 24,000 jobs across India. DP World serves 25% of India’s container market through five container terminals. These terminals have a total installed capacity of 6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) each year. This fresh investment will strengthen India’s infrastructure, improve multimodal connectivity, and boost the nation’s competitiveness in global trade. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said the company has been “a part of India’s growth story for nearly three decades”. The new investments will reduce logistics costs, support local manufacturing, and expand market access throughout India.

DP World Commits $5 Billion to Expand India Operations

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“By optimizing efficiency and expanding trade connectivity, we are ensuring DP World Mundra remains a key hub for driving trade flows across the region. We continue to deliver value through reliable services, sustainable practices, and world-class infrastructure.” — Alok Mishra, CEO, Ports & Terminals, DP World Mundra

DP World, based in Dubai, has made a AED 18.36 billion ($5 billion) commitment to strengthen India’s integrated supply chain network during the India Maritime Week 2025. The company signed five Memorandums of Association (MoUs) with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal present at the ceremony. This investment marks a major expansion beyond the AED 11.02 billion ($3 billion) that DP World has already invested since starting its Indian operations.

The company has already put much of the new funding to work. Construction has begun on a new AED 1872.69 million terminal at Tuna Tekra on India’s northwestern coast in Gujarat. The facility will have a 1.1 km berth and can handle 2.19 million TEU annually. The completed terminal will connect India’s vast mainland to global markets through an integrated network of roads and railways.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, highlighted the expansion’s importance: “This new investment combined with the strategic partnerships reaffirm our commitment to advancing India’s maritime and logistics industry and cementing the nation’s position in global trade”.

The 2025 investments support DP World’s global strategy to create a connected platform that includes ports, terminals, inland logistics, marine services, warehousing, and freight forwarding. This integrated model gives DP World “visibility and control across the entire supply chain, helping partners reduce risks and costs”.

DP World Signs Five MoUs to Boost Maritime Infrastructure

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DP World established five strategic collaborations through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal witnessed these agreements that strengthen various sectors of the maritime ecosystem.

Unifeeder, a DP World company, joined forces with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited to create green coastal shipping services throughout India. SMFCL’s Maritime Development Fund will provide financing while Unifeeder brings its operational expertise and digital capabilities to the table.

The maritime landscape saw another significant development as Drydocks World, a DP World subsidiary, signed an Agreement of Heads of Terms with Cochin Shipyard Limited. This partnership will create India’s first ship repair cluster at the International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi. The initiative will establish Kochi as a regional hub for maritime services.

Cochin Shipyard, Drydocks World, and the Center of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding signed a three-way agreement to develop skilled maritime professionals. Their program will train candidates in essential domains using advanced facilities in India and UAE.

DP World strengthened its commitment to Kochi’s International Container Transshipment Terminal through an agreement with Cochin Port Authority. The final collaboration brings together Deendayal Port Authority, DP World, and Nevomo to build a 750-meter MagRail Booster pilot track that introduces autonomous, low-emission port transport technologies.

How the Investment Strengthens India’s Global Trade Role

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DP World’s key investments in India will make the country a major hub in global shipping networks. Global supply chains are going through major changes, and this expansion of port infrastructure and logistics capabilities comes at the right time.

These investments will help India improve its trade efficiency. The new terminal at Tuna Tekra in Gujarat can handle 2.19 million TEU and will connect India’s manufacturing centers to international markets. This development helps the country boost its export competitiveness.

The investments tackle India’s logistics network bottlenecks head-on. DP World is building modern port facilities with connected rail and road networks. This makes cargo movement smoother and cuts down the high logistics costs that hold back Indian trade.

DP World’s partnership with Sagarmala Finance Corporation will create better coastal shipping services. This builds a more connected national trade system. The MagRail Booster pilot track shows their commitment to eco-friendly transport technologies that meet global environmental standards.

A skilled workforce keeps India competitive in the maritime sector. The three-way agreement between Cochin Shipyard, Drydocks World, and the Center of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding helps create this workforce through various skills development programs.

DP World’s massive $5 billion investment marks a turning point for India’s maritime infrastructure. The company’s 30-year old presence in India includes $3 billion in investments and a network of 200 sites with 24,000 employees. Five strategic MoUs signed at India Maritime Week 2025 have strengthened partnerships across multiple sectors.

The new Tuna Tekra terminal showcases this investment’s physical impact. This facility will process 2.19 million TEU yearly and create a vital gateway between India’s manufacturing hubs and global markets. Through collaboration with Sagarmala Finance Corporation, the development of green coastal shipping services will boost domestic freight movement efficiency.

DP World places high priority on developing human resources. A three-way agreement on maritime skills development will help India maintain a competitive workforce to support its growing maritime goals. These programs support India’s objectives to cut logistics costs and enhance trade connectivity.

Global supply chains are undergoing major restructuring, making these investments well-timed. DP World’s integrated strategy connects ports, terminals, inland logistics, and freight forwarding to provide flexible solutions. The company’s MagRail Booster pilot shows its innovative approach to transportation challenges.

DP World’s growing footprint across India helps the country gain a bigger share of global trade. Modern port facilities, multimodal connections, and workforce development address old bottlenecks that have stymied India’s trade competitiveness. This detailed investment plan revolutionizes India’s maritime sector and its position in international trade.