<h1>India's Maritime Sector Needs Rs 3-4 Lakh Crore Investment for Global Trade Competitiveness, Calls for Private Funding</h1> India's maritime sector requires an investment of Rs 3-4 lakh crore to enhance port infrastructure and logistics, aiming for global trade competitiveness, according to an industry body. Private investment is crucial for funding, innovation, and efficiency. The government has proposed the Maritime Development Fund with Rs 25,000 crore to support sector projects. The PM Gati Shakti initiative, a digital platform for integrated planning among 16 ministries, aims to improve infrastructure connectivity. The maritime sector, handling 75% of India's trade volume, needs substantial investments for infrastructure demands, with multi-modal logistics being essential for economic growth.