India becomes the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers

• Achieving a significant milestone in the maritime employment sector, India has emerged as the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers.

• As of July 28, 2026, 311,936 Indian maritime professionals were part of the global workforce, accounting for 12.16% of the total global seafarer workforce. According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India now ranks second, trailing only the Philippines.

• Seafarers are professionals who work on merchant ships, cargo vessels, tankers, and other commercial vessels.

• India's progress is particularly significant given that in 2015, the country held the fifth position with a mere 5.2% share of the global seafarer workforce.

• This share rose to 6% in 2021 and reached 12.16% in 2026. This growth demonstrates that India has consistently strengthened its capabilities in maritime training and employment opportunities to meet international demand.